PA FREES HAMAS TERRORIST

PA frees Hamas rocket squad member.
Palestinian police released a Hamas rocket squad operative Tuesday, despite a pledge to get tough with those who break a non-formal cease-fire with Israel.

The release came after intervention by outraged Hamas leaders and Egyptian diplomats. The suspect was set free even though he and two other Hamas terrorists had fired at officers during Monday night’s arrest, and a rocket launcher and firearms were found in the gunmen’s car.
Israeli officials said the incident underscores the failure of Abbas’ attempt to confront the terror groups.

SEE ALSO: Hamas Protest Forces Abbas to Free Gunman - Tim Butcher
Hamas, the radical Palestinian group, won a crucial test of strength with the Palestinian Authority Tuesday when it secured the release of a gunman arrested for allegedly firing rockets at Israel. Hundreds of Hamas loyalists demonstrated on the streets of Gaza City, setting up roadblocks and threatening to kill supporters of Mahmoud Abbas. Within hours the gunman was free. The incident, which underlined the power enjoyed by Hamas, was a significant setback for Abbas's attempt to entrench the rule of law. (Telegraph-UK)

See also Palestinians Arrest, Then Free Hamas Men - Nidal al-Mughrabi (Reuters)