According to Palestinian Authority (PA) sources, the Hamas terror group is growing stronger in Judea and Samaria. Reports say that Izzadin Kassam, Hamas's armed wing, has become very active in the area and has formed cells, in spite of a crackdown ordered by PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas against the group.

The news comes as a blow to both the US and Israel which have been strengthening the PA in order to stem the tide of support for Hamas. Hamas won election in Gaza following the Israeli retreat there two years ago. Israel has released hundreds of Fatah terrorists and the US has poured millions of dollars into PA coffers in order to prop up Fatah. Meanwhile, other sources say the PA is in talks with Hamas in Damascus in order to reach a peace agreement with the Islamic group.