Hamas: PA arrests our members in West Bank over elections activities

Islamic Palestinian Movement Hamas yesterday accused the Palestinian Authority (PA) security services of arresting and investigating its members over their preparations for the municipal elections due in October, Quds Press reported.

Hamas spokesman in the occupied West Bank Faze’ Sawafta said: “The PA security services arrested six Hamas members, well-known for their social activities, and summoned scores of others for investigations in different areas across the West Bank.”

The PA’s actions are “unjustified”, he said, adding that the PA wanted to send a message to Hamas that it should not take part in the upcoming elections.

Spokesperson for the PA security services, Adnan Al-Dameeri, denied any Hamas members were detained. “Some prisoners were arrested for violating public order and owning illegal weapons,” he said, adding that a number of Fatah members were amongst the detainees.

Safa news agency confirmed that a number of Fatah members were detained however it reported that they had been held following clashes between Fatah and PA officials.