Hamas moves its special force back and forth – on paper

Sunday, a Hamas security sources informed Western and Arab media that its special security force of 600 commandoes had withdrawn from its regular positions on the Gaza-Israeli border – without explanation. This notice caused some surprise, since the force had been put in place only two weeks previously to support the ceasefire concluded with Israel in November 2012. Monday, Arab sources reported that the force had been pulled back in preparation for a broad new Palestnian rocket offensive against Israel. Tuesday, Hamas announced the force had returned to its positions on the Gaza-Israeli border.

DEBKAfile: For some reason, Hamas reported bogus military movements when the security force never moved ou of its regular deployment on the Gaza-Israeli border.