The London-based Arabic newspaper Al-Sharq Al-Awsat reported that Hamas has recently intensified its activities against 'gangs of thieves' that are 'spreading' throughout the Gaza Strip, as well as against suspects collaborating with Israel. According to sources in the terror organization, "strict orders were given by Hamas leadership to act decisively against the gangs and punish them severely." The newspaper reported that in recent weeks there has been a significant increase in criminal activity throughout Gaza, including looting of field hospitals, attacks on aid trucks, break-ins at businesses, assaults in public markets and robbery of civilians.
