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Rogue militants defy Hamas’ policy of restraint

The thwarted terror attacks of recent days indicate that Hamas' leadership is losing control over some of its operatives.
Hamas Gaza Chief Yehya Al-Sinwar looks on as he takes part in a protest against Bahrain's workshop for U.S. Middle East peace plan, in Gaza City, June 26, 2019. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem - RC1569D22400
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Hamas has denied responsibility for the five Palestinian terrorists who tried to infiltrate Israel last week on two separate occasions, describing them in media briefings as “rogue” figures. Still, it seems that the more accurate way to define these perpetrators would be "rebels."

Both incidents appear to signal the first signs of a clear, significant revolt by members of the organization’s armed wing dissatisfied with their leadership’s policy of restraint vis-a-vis Israel.

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