Rare Insight into Hamas Operations
CBS News senior foreign correspondent Debora Patta recently conducted a rare interview with a Hamas commander and recruiter in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The interview took place four months after the group launched a terror attack on Israel, igniting the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The militant revealed that the war had been instrumental in attracting new members to Hamas in the West Bank, a claim supported by a veteran Israeli hostage negotiator.
Challenges of the Interview
The interview with the Hamas recruiter was set to take place in the volatile Jenin refugee camp, known for its history of militant activity. Navigating the camp proved to be a challenge, as the CBS News team had to leave their vehicle behind and switch to a car approved by the Hamas unit. The camp’s narrow, rubble-filled streets complicated the journey, with Israeli security forces intensifying raids in the area.
Meeting the Commander
Upon reaching the designated location, the team was escorted by armed, masked Hamas fighters to a rooftop where they met Abu Abed, a 25-year-old Hamas commander in the al-Qassam Brigades. Despite the tense atmosphere, with weapons concealed but at the ready, the interview proceeded. Abu Abed’s vigilance was evident as he paused the conversation at the sound of approaching aircraft, fearing an Israeli raid.
Conclusion of the Encounter
After a brief but revealing interview, the CBS News team was swiftly escorted back to their vehicle as the Hamas escorts disappeared into the alleys of the Jenin camp. Debora Patta’s firsthand account sheds light on the inner workings of Hamas in the West Bank, offering a rare glimpse into the group’s recruitment strategies and operational challenges.