Skip to main content

Hamas’ release of Fatah military wing leader raises speculation of deal

Hamas has released Zaki al-Sakani from prison, raising questions of whether it was part of a deal between Hamas and Mohammed Dahlan, with whom it just restored relations.
Masked Palestinian militants from the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the armed wing of the Fatah movement,  take part in an anti-Israel military drill in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip March 25, 2015.  REUTERS/Suhaib Salem
 - RTR4UUET
Read in 

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades leader Zaki al-Sakani was released from the Hamas government’s security prisons on Oct. 19. Sakani learned the news less than 24 hours before his release. The surprise move has prompted speculation about a potential agreement between Hamas and dismissed Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan.

Sakani was arrested by the Hamas government security services on Aug. 2, 2008, after sustaining abdominal injuries during armed clashes. The [Hamas] judiciary laid several charges against him, most importantly for forming terrorist groups, planning terrorist attacks, possessing and manufacturing explosives, and involvement in the Gaza beach explosion that killed five members of Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades as well as a child on July 25, 2008. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison, a term that was later on reduced to 10 years.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.