On the 24th of May, 1995, Palestinian police executed a pivotal raid on an underground hideout affiliated with the Hamas movement, uncovering a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition. This operation, which resulted in the arrest of two individuals, marks a critical move by the Palestinian Authority against militant activities in the region.
Acting on intelligence, the raid took place before dawn at a residence in Gaza. The police discovered an extensive collection of arms, including Uzi machine guns, M-16 rifles, Kalachnikov rifles, hand grenades, and sabre knives concealed in a crudely constructed wall safe. In addition, military uniforms and forged documents, likely intended for travel between Israel and Gaza, were seized.
This decisive action follows the Palestinian Authority’s mandate for militant groups to register personal weapons by May 1, with the threat of confiscation if not complied with. Despite initially adopting a firm stance, the Authority softened its approach after the deadline passed.
The array of weapons found highlights the ongoing concerns about the extent of Hamas’s armament in Gaza. As described by the police, the types of grenades uncovered are typically used in attacks. The apprehended individuals, identified as the homeowner and his brother, are believed to be Hamas members.
This raid on the 24th of May, 1995, represents a significant effort by the Palestinian Authority in its campaign to regulate militant groups and safeguard against potential threats to its governance.
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