A European country has recently conveyed to the Hamas authorities in Gaza Strip that Israel is planning to assassinate senior leaders of this Palestinian movement. An Arabic-language newspaper published in London reported on Sunday that the Israeli cabinet had approved plans to assassinate the former Premier Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas politburo chief Khaled Mashaal and former foreign minister, Dr. Mahmoud al-Zahar.
Al Hayat newspaper added the implementation of the plan will start after American President George W. Bush finishes his regional visit later this week. According to the daily, Hamas is taking the threat seriously. Sources told the newspapers following the news all the three Hamas officials have taken "unprecedented security steps". They did not elaborate.
It should be noted that Mashaal is based in the Syrian capital Damascus while Haniyeh and al-Zaharare based in the Gaza Strip.
