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Sinai Bedouin Accuse Hamas of Collaborating with ISIS

(Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) Yoni Ben Menachem - Tensions between the Sinai Bedouin and the Islamic State in Sinai escalated after ISIS kidnapped four Bedouin on May 22, beheaded them, and sent their bodies back to Bedouin territory. The Tarabin tribe, the largest tribe in Sinai, has joined with the Egyptian army, which provided it with weapons, and has united with other Bedouin tribes against ISIS in the "Tribal Union of Sinai." On May 24, the Tribal Union accused Hamas of being an ally to ISIS in Sinai, allowing ISIS members to enter Gaza through the tunnels and supplying them with weapons, training, medical care, and shelter in Gaza. The connection of the Bedouin tribes to the Egyptian army has disrupted ISIS plans to expand beyond northern Sinai. The balance of power is now more favorable for the Egyptian army, since the Bedouin tribes know the area much better than ISIS. The Bedouin are well aware of all the smuggling routes into Gaza and can cut off the supply of food, fuel, and weapons. Therefore, Hamas may try to appease the Sinai Bedouin and lower the profile of Hamas-ISIS cooperation.
2017-05-29 00:00:00
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