econd assassination took place on January 12<\/a>, and targeted Hamas Head of Investigations Mahmoud al-Astal in Khan Yunis. It was carried by Housam al-Astal\u2019s gang.<\/p>\nAl-Astal was a relative of the victim, according to the report, who had been disowned following the establishment of the gang.<\/p>\n
Sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Abu Nseira and Housam al-Astal\u2019s gangs, unlike previous ones, displayed greater loyalty to Israel, operated more boldly, spoke fluent Hebrew with Israeli media, and presented themselves as potential alternatives to Hamas\u2019s rule in Gaza.<\/p>\n
According to the sources, the gunmen who carried out the attacks had body cameras on them to document their operations and used pistols fitted with silencers.<\/p>\n
Other sources said that gang members had obtained Israeli weapons, including anti-armor munitions, along with food and other weapons.<\/p>\n
Abu Nseira and Astal had both been senior officers in the Palestinian Authority\u2019s security services.<\/p>\n
Sources acquired by Asharq Al-Awsat said Astal had been recruited by the Shin Bet and received specialized training from the Mossad.<\/p>\n
The gang leader took part in the 2018 assassination of Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades leader Fadi al-Batsh, an engineer who received training in Malaysia to develop drones and rockets. The operation was carried out alongside other local agents recruited by the Mossad.<\/p>\n
Hamas later arrested and issued a death sentence against Housam al-Astal.<\/p>\n
The actions of both gangs have prompted Hamas to increase alert levels and strengthen personal security for its members, according to the report.<\/p>\n
Hamas has urged its members to remain vigilant, vary their routes, carry appropriate weapons to respond to attacks, abandon mobile phones to reduce tracking, and monitor suspicious activity by individuals who may be surveilling them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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