Tension renews between Hamas, IS in Gaza
Much speculation surrounds the purported animosity between Hamas and Islamic State militants in Gaza, further threatening Gaza’s security.
The security situation in the Gaza Strip is witnessing a state of tense calm, after the bombings that occurred in the last few weeks, most recently April 6, when an explosive device targeted the Internal Security apparatus in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, resulting in damage without injuries. No one claimed responsibility for the explosion, but accusations have been exchanged between Hamas and Fatah in regard to who is responsible.
All of a sudden, the beginning of a new conflict between Hamas and Islamic State (IS) supporters emerged, sparking fears of security tension — which Gaza can do without, in light of its issues that worsen by the day.
Tension between Hamas and IS supporters began Feb. 22 through dialogue between former Interior Ministry spokesman Islam Shahwan and IS supporters, during which they exchanged accusations, following the execution of Egyptians in Libya on Feb. 15.
In early April, the security forces in Gaza arrested a number of IS supporters tied to the bloody clashes at the Yarmouk refugee camp in Syria between IS militants and the Aknaf Bait al-Maqdis Brigades that resulted in decapitations and killings of Hamas cadres.
