Hamas Forms Armed Forces To Prevent Loot Of Aid Convoys To Gaza

Truck convoy aid for Gaza/WFP/Ali Jadallah

JAKARTA - Fighters from Hamas and other Gaza factions have formed troops to prevent gangs from looting aid convoys.

Since its formation this month amid growing public anger over the seizure of aid, the new force has carried out repeated operations, ambushed looters and killed several people in armed clashes, the source said.

Reported by Reuters on Tuesday, November 19, Hamas' efforts to take the lead in securing aid supplies have shown difficulties that Israel will face in postwar Gaza.

Israel accuses Hamas of hijacking aid. The group denies this and accuses Israel of trying to ignite anarchy in Gaza by targeting police guarding the aid convoy.

Israeli military spokesmans did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on Hamas units fighting looters.

Amid the chaos of war, armed gangs are increasingly raiding supply convoys, hijacking trucks and selling looted goods in the Gaza market at exorbitant prices.

In addition to angering the Israeli military, the shortage also raises questions about Hamas over its inability to stop the gangs.

"We are all against bandits and looters so we can live and eat, now you are obliged to buy from thieves," said Diyaa al-Nasara, speaking near the funeral of a Hamas fighter who was killed in clashes with looters.

Anti-imprisonment forces consisting of fully armed fighters from Hamas and its allied groups, named "Populer and Revolutionary Committee" and ready to fire on non- give-up hijackers.