The Hamas-affiliated Palestinian Information Center (PIC) issued a report today alleging that a Hamas fighter died in the custody of Fatah security forces in the West Bank as a result of wounds suffered during torture. Citing a ‘local’ source the PIC states that the individual, Muhammad Al-Haj, was being interrogated at the preventative security detention center in Jenin and was the brother of a Hamas leader. It claims that sources close to the Fatah security forces have attributed Al-Haj's death to suicide. This incident is part of what PIC terms as a “brutal campaign” coordinated between Fatah and the Israelis against Hamas in the West Bank, and has led to the incarceration of more than 600 Hamas supporters.
The Palestinian Maan News Agency's English coverage reports that Al-Haj's family is holding the Palestinian Authority (PA) responsible for his death. It appears that this incident is part of a crackdown on Hamas elements in the West Bank, culminating in the arrest of six more Hamas members today.
While Hamas's influence in the West Bank is significantly less than that it has in Gaza, it appears that it is nevertheless still viewed as a threat by its political adversary in this part of the occupied territories.
