Hamas condemns PA release of Jerusalem real estate broker

Hamas has condemned the Palestinian Authority’s release of Issam Aqel, a Palestinian who sold Palestinian properties in Jerusalem to Israeli settlers, describing the move as “major national crime”.

Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum called for those responsible for Aqel’s release to be held accountable for their actions; because “they are partners with the Israeli enemy in looting the Palestinians’ properties”.

Barhoum held Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah fully responsibility for covering up this crime and releasing him.

The Palestinian Authority did not comment on releasing, Aqel nearly five days to the United States.

In December 2018 a criminal court in Ramallah sentenced Aqel, a Palestinian-American citizen, to life in prison and forced labour for selling real estate and plots of land to Israeli settlers in the occupied city of Jerusalem.

Aqel had been arrested months earlier, in October, by the PA’s intelligence services. His release was widely condemned by Palestinian writers and activists.

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