Subscribe to Print Edition | Fri., February 06, 2009 Shvat 12, 5769 | | Israel Time: 07:12 (EST+7)
Haaretz israel news English
web haaretz.com
Haaretz Toolbar
Diplomacy
Defense Jewish World Opinion National
Print Edition
Car Rental
Books Haaretz Magazine Business Real Estate Joy of Giving Travel Week's End Anglo File
Comments:  77
Last update - 13:40 16/01/2009
Hamas vows revenge after IDF kills Gaza Interior Minister Said Sayyam
By Amos Harel and Avi Issacharoff, Haaretz Correspondents, and Agencies
Tags: Gaza, Israel News, Hamas 

An Israel Air Force strike in Gaza on Thursday killed Hamas' Interior Minister Said Sayyam, one of the Islamist militant group's three most senior leaders in the coastal strip.



A Hamas official vowed vengeance for Siam's death. "The blood of Said Sayyam will be a curse on the Zionist entity," Mohammed Nazzal told Al-Jazeera television.
Advertisement
Sayyam, 50, was killed in an air strike that targeted the home of his brother Iyad. Also killed in the attack were his son, his brother, as well as Salah Abu Shreich, head of internal security in the organization and the person responsible for the liaison between the political and military wings of Hamas.

Palestinian sources said Hamas' military commander in Gaza City, Mahmoud Watfah, was also killed in the attack.

Six other Hamas operatives were wounded in the air strike in the heart of Gaza City, the sources said. The IDF Southern Command ordered the airstrike on the basis of precise intelligence provided by the Shin Bet security service.

Sayyam was the effective founder of the Hamas-led police force. He pushed for Hamas' bloody 2006 coup in Gaza, during which it ousted the rival Fatah faction from power.

As interior minister in Hamas' government in Gaza, Sayyam oversaw thousands of security agents and was widely feared. He was the number three behind Ismail Haniyeh and Mahmoud Zahar, and was seen by many as the most extreme of the triumvirate.

The air strike on Sayyam was apparently an attempt by Israel to deliver an image of victory in its offensive against Hamas. The Israel Defense Forces understands that Hamas' agreement in principle to the Egyptian proposal for a cease-fire in Gaza signals that the campaign is nearing its end.

In an interview with Haaretz in November 1995, Sayyam said, "I do not hate [Israelis] for being Jewish or Israeli but because of what they have done to us. Because of the acts of occupation."

In response to a question about whether he saw a chance for change in relations between Palestinians and Israelis, he said, "It is difficult to forget what was done to us. If the reason for the hate will not exist, everything is possible.

"But if the reason remains, it is impossible to love. First we must convince in general and in principle that we have been wronged, then we can talk about '67 or '48. You still do not recognize that we have rights. The first condition for change is recognition of the injustice we suffered."

Bradley Burston contributed to this report

Related articles:
  • Five hurt, two seriously, as Gaza rockets slam into Be'er Sheva
  • Olmert: Gunmen fired at IDF troops from UN Gaza compound
  • UN Chief: Success of Gaza truce deal depends on Israel's will
    • Bookmark to del.icio.us  
     
    A legitimate demand
    Netanyahu brands Lieberman campaign against Israeli Arabs as 'legitimate'.
    Death of 'Dr. Death'
    After years of hunting Nazi 'Dr. Death,' Germany now looking for his body.
      1.   This is why Israel can`t stop till Hamas is toppled 18:21  |  Marly 15/01/09
      2.   Keep pushing 18:22  |  Moe Hamhead 15/01/09
      3.   The war is not over 18:24  |  Rabbi Izzy Lahm 15/01/09
      4.   a 10 day truce is ridiculous...gives Hamas rats time to arm 18:26  |  Richard S 15/01/09
      5.   Hamas Leaders Killed 18:34  |  IDF Supporter 15/01/09
      6.   hamas minister killed 18:36  |  rachel 15/01/09
      7.   Let it be a lesson 18:46  |  Fish 15/01/09
      8.   kol hakavod letzahal 18:48  |  EG 15/01/09
      9.   Architects Of Death - Hamas 19:03  |  Phil 15/01/09
      10.   When the world demands a cease fire tell them send schalit first 19:05  |  bernard ross 15/01/09
      11.   Agreed #1,2,3,4,5 19:22  |  Jonny 15/01/09
      12.   Signs of `Cease Fire` ? within Winds of War ! 19:26  |  Joseph.E 15/01/09
      13.   They were the gents that threw the Fatah guys off the 6th floor 19:38  |  Alan SA 15/01/09
      14.   Congrats to the long arm of Israel 19:39  |  Indrajaya 15/01/09
      15.   10-day truce 19:41  |  vik 15/01/09
      16.   Ok...then what? 19:48  |  #1-5 15/01/09
      17.   no truce without gilad 19:50  |  motti 15/01/09
      18.   Khaled Meshal 20:05  |  Harry 15/01/09
      19.   Don`t Stop IDF!! 20:05  |  Igal 15/01/09
      20.   Can`t sign on to that 20:08  |  Chrisona 15/01/09
      21.   inderajaya 20:10  |  mike 15/01/09
      22.   Hey #11 20:11  |  Shaul 15/01/09
      23.   Don`t tell me that IDF targets civilians 20:14  |  Michael 15/01/09
      24.   to # 1, rachel 20:25  |  paul 15/01/09
      25.   indeed 20:26  |  Paul 15/01/09
      26.   #response to 16 20:30  |  #1-5 15/01/09
      27.   Hamas Vows Revenge 20:31  |  Bill Foonman 15/01/09
      28.   Micheal in Caifornia 20:31  |  ClearCut 15/01/09
      29.   For #1-5 (number 16) It`s HAMAS not letting people out into Egypt 20:54  |  ZISD 15/01/09
      30.   Response to # 21 20:54  |  flyingdoc57 15/01/09
      31.   had to have some serius intel... 20:59  |  Gabriel 15/01/09
      32.   Israel wins 23:58  |  Raphael David 15/01/09
      33.   Way to go I.D.F. 00:01  |  happy citizen 16/01/09
      34.   #1 Rachel - Ignore UN now but ask help for Iran? 00:01  |  Manny Goldstein 16/01/09
      35.   Michael....that`s right! well said! 00:10  |  Maria 16/01/09
      36.   #32 Israel won what? 03:35  |  Hirz 16/01/09
      37.   A great hit 03:37  |  ben kobi 16/01/09
      38.   I Guess That There Only A Few More To Go 03:42  |  Eli 16/01/09
      39.   Indrajaja, ja,ja, ja 03:49  |  ottomatik 16/01/09
      40.   Iran should do as Israel and ignore UN...GO NUKES! 03:53  |  Firecracker 16/01/09
      41.   Siam is originally from Ashklelon 04:31  |  Adam 16/01/09
      42.   Dare publish this 04:32  |  Moslim 16/01/09
      43.   hamas minister killed 04:34  |  joe m 16/01/09
      44.   Occupiers have no right to defend themselves 05:23  |  Hussam 16/01/09
      45.   keep digging your own graves... 05:30  |  Oss 16/01/09
      46.   siad sayam killed? 06:05  |  Roberto 16/01/09
      47.   To: Adam 06:11  |  Angel 16/01/09
      48.   Adam 09:36  |  Magpie 16/01/09
      49.   Arab occupation of Jewish land 09:37  |  Alex 16/01/09
      50.   amazing.... 09:37  |  Su 16/01/09
      51.   Adam 09:42  |  siamese 16/01/09
      52.   Hussam 09:43  |  x-ray 16/01/09
      53.   Thank you... 10:09  |  Marwan 16/01/09
      54.   Marwan you`re right 10:25  |  Mike 16/01/09
      55.   expelled @ 41 11:28  |  Tina 16/01/09
      56.   your text 20:31  |  Kevin 16/01/09
      57.   moral lessons 20:42  |  carlos 16/01/09
      58.   Hats off to Shin Bet 20:48  |  Farid H. 16/01/09
      59.   Your war is endless ! 23:27  |  Fred 16/01/09
      60.   Hamas was whipped 23:43  |  Richard 16/01/09
      61.   Best revenge 01:27  |  real vision 17/01/09
      62.   Kevin 01:33  |  Magpie 17/01/09
      63.   You can commit murder after murder, but you cannot silence 01:36  |  the truth 17/01/09
      64.   #59 Fred....the Israeli children have the same problem 07:12  |  Lynn 17/01/09
      65.   Hamas 07:17  |  Jim 17/01/09
      66.   Israel Do not Stop Until 100% victory over Hamas 18:38  |  Jeremiah 17/01/09
      67.   Sayyam the very reluctant martyr 19:10  |  Brian V Hunt 17/01/09
      68.   Thank you 22:36  |  David 17/01/09
      69.   only jews are allowed revenge according to american zionists. 03:13  |  billy jack 18/01/09
      70.   #41 Milwaukee is an Indian name, right? 07:09  |  fiona 18/01/09
      71.   Hey, Hussam 07:17  |  no whining 18/01/09
      72.   There was no need for this shocking violence ... 09:25  |  Dutch 18/01/09
      73.   DORIS exactly! Hamas was warned repeatedlyThey ended the casefire 10:29  |  PETER SM 18/01/09
      74.   proudly jewish 13:59  |  jonathan 21/01/09
      75.   He seems to have been a very reasonable man 18:50  |  fritz t. 22/01/09
      76.   The assasination of a governement minister 02:22  |  David Richards 29/01/09
      77.   Architects of death 04:58  |  kathleeno 06/02/09
     Haaretz Hot Topics
    Israel 2009 election results
    Israel goes to the polls
    Conflict in Gaza
    Israel vs. Hamas
    Iran: Nuclear and regional ambitions
    More Headlines
    02:55 Elections 2009 / Haaretz poll: Kadima, Likud neck and neck
    03:15 Elections 2009 / Lieberman will determine who forms next government
    04:49 Greece holding Iran-bound ship over missile components
    04:44 Asa Kasher, The philosopher who said 'Yes' to the IDF
    03:47 Olmert says wants Shalit deal before he leaves office
    04:30 Israel releases passengers of impounded Gaza-bound ship
    05:24 Olmert's travel aide recorded double-billing methods
    05:40 Jews and Palestinians unite in basketball 'peace league'
    05:58 Steep rise in number of anti-Semitic attacks across Holland
    23:15 IDF troops kill Palestinian militant near Gaza border
    01:54 TV broadcasters, baseball legends named among Madoff scam victims
    05:29 Elections 2009 / Pollsters: High voter turnout in Jewish sector will benefit right
    06:16 Elections 2009 / Harsh tone of election campaign due to desire to please Russian speakers
    02:02 Shalit's father: Hamas holding us hostage for 'bogus resistance'
    06:24 Court reviewing inmate's petition to bring porno into jail
    06:37 Court: Chief Rabbi Metzger's explanation of hotel favors not credible
    00:40 Hungary far-rightist: I rejoiced at news of IDF deaths in Gaza
    Previous Editions
    Special Offers
    Advertisement
    Summer in Israel
    Israeli style - Tzofim Chetz V'Keshet 2009
    Passover Vacations
    The BEST Passover Vacations around ? Mexico, Arizona and Florida
    Blue And White Forever Israel Army T-shirts
    Wear with Proud Donate the Soldiers Kit
    You can make a direct IMPACT!
    on the life of an Israeli soldier
    State of Israel Bonds
    During this time of market volatility, Israel bonds can help.
    SURF RAMBAM
    Keep current about new-wave medical care, education and research.
    Camp Kimama Israel 2009
    The best place for your children this summer
    Fattal Hotel Chain
    Perfectly located hotels on best resorts of Israel.
    Eldan Rent a Car
    Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on online reservations
    Jewish Singles Personal Ads
    Find the love of your life on JDate.com
    Junkyard
    Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt
    Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | | Israel 2009 election results
    Site rules | Makom: Engaging on Israel | Search engine marketing
    Haaretz.com, the online edition of Haaretz Newspaper in Israel, offers real-time breaking news, opinions and analysis from Israel and the Middle East. Haaretz.com provides extensive and in-depth coverage of Israel, the Jewish World and the Middle East, including defense, diplomacy, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the peace process, Israeli politics, Jerusalem affairs, international relations, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Israeli business world and Jewish life in Israel and the Diaspora.
    © Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved