A Palestinian Authority news agency has reported that senior Hamas terrorists are using their power in the organization for personal gain. The Kefiyeh agency revealed that senior Interior Ministry official Shayma Abu-Nawafl recently purchased a large amount of land valued at $750,000 - apparently with money gained through his work with Hamas.
According to Kefiyeh, Nawafl gained significant wealth during the Hamas takeover of Gaza in 2007. He kept an extremely expensive car and other property which had been taken from members of the rival Fatah organization.
The report is particularly relevant due to the fact that Hamas often presents itself as the austere, idealistic alternative to the perceived-to-be-corrupt Fatah party.
Nawafl is particularly hated by Fatah due to the central role he played in the 2007 Hamas takeover of Gaza. He was allegedly among the leaders who decided to publicly execute captured members of Fatah, and was also responsible for the decision to shoot resistors in the legs.
The reports of alleged corruption come as Hamas battles to maintain control of Gaza. According to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat, the organization is being challenged by international terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda. The report quoted a Hamas official as saying that “security anarchy is extensive, and al-Kassam men are being killed.”