Hamas arrests Salafi sheikh in Gaza over IS ties

Hamas forces in Gaza arrested a radical Salafist sheikh, accusing him of membership in the Islamic State (IS) group, a security source says.

“Adnan Khader Mayat from the Bureij refugee camp (in central Gaza) was arrested as part of an investigation,” the source tells AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity and without giving further details.

Sources close to the Salafists say Mayat was arrested on Sunday “by the Hamas government security services who fight mujahedeen who belong to the Salafist movement.”

Hamas forces have in the past cracked down hard on Salafist groups in the coastal enclave.

In a separate statement, sources close to Salafists who are currently being held behind bars accuse the Islamist movement of “continuing its raids among our brothers and sons,” denouncing the recent arrest of their two younger members.

“These actions will lead to an escalation which nobody wants,” it warned.

In recent months, there have been a number statements claiming minor attacks that were signed by “the Islamic State-Gaza governorate” but most were dismissed on jihadist forums.

So far, no Gaza-based movement has publicly pledged allegiance to IS, but experts say such claims in the future may show a desire on the part of local factions to be included in the IS fold.

They also point to a growing loss of control by the Gaza authorities and the growth of radical elements, who have become increasingly visible since last summer’s deadly 50-day war with Israel.

— AFP