by Khaled Abu Toameh, Gatestone Institute
The Iran-backed Palestinian terrorist group Hamas has reconstituted its “Executive Force” as part of an effort to control humanitarian aid and “impose law and order” in the Gaza Strip.
The 5,000-strong force, originally established in 2006, has been entrusted with preventing the “theft” of food and “deterring thieves and thugs responsible for anarchy and lawlessness.”
Members of the “Executive Force” have been deployed throughout the Gaza Strip and given orders to “take all necessary measures, including the use of excessive force,” to restore security and stability to the coastal strip, according to Palestinian sources.
In 2007, the “Executive Force” played a central role in the Hamas coup against the Palestinian Authority (PA) and was responsible for killing hundreds of Palestinians and wounding thousands. After the coup, PA President Mahmoud Abbas declared the force criminal and illegal.
Palestinians, however, say that if anyone is stealing the humanitarian aid and food, it is Hamas. They also point out that Hamas gangs are responsible for the anarchy and lawlessness and the intimidation of the local residents.
Recently, Hamas terrorists have been storming warehouses and stealing food in different parts of Gaza. The move comes in the wake of reports that Israel is trying to persuade international organizations to take responsibility for the distribution of humanitarian aid to the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, a move strongly opposed by Hamas. The terror group claims that the Israeli attempt to distribute humanitarian aid through international organizations is “political blackmail” and a “violation of international law.”