Hamas extends ban on released prisoners holding sensitive posts, sources tell i24NEWS

Hamas has extended a ban preventing leaders and members released from Israeli prisons from returning to sensitive positions within the movement, sources told i24NEWS.

The restrictions cover political, military, security, media and social roles. They were introduced following prisoner exchanges with Israel during the Gaza war, on the recommendation of Hamas’s military wing and internal security apparatus, the sources said.

Initially intended to last 18 months, the ban was recently renewed. Those affected continue to receive their salaries but have been assigned no duties and are barred from returning to their former posts.

According to the sources, some released prisoners were granted exemptions. Some were subsequently found to have been recruited by Israel and to have supplied intelligence to the Shin Bet security agency, the sources alleged.

One was allegedly an officer in Hamas’s internal security apparatus who passed on highly sensitive information about leaders in Khan Younis and the operations of the unit in which he served. The sources said he provided information both before and after his release.

Other released prisoners were allegedly identified as collaborators after supplying intelligence that led to Israeli airstrikes on sites belonging to Palestinian factions.

The restrictions also apply to media workers detained during the war and later released, the sources said. Those employed by Hamas-affiliated institutions were instructed not to resume their duties at newspapers and websites.

Some of those affected appealed to Hamas political bureau leaders in Gaza and elsewhere, but were told the restrictions would remain in place pending a further review of their cases.

Released Hamas leaders and activists fear they will be sidelined indefinitely and could eventually lose their salaries.

Hamas also appears concerned that Israel could target released prisoners visiting its facilities or meeting with its leaders, potentially endangering others present.