UK’s MI6 prepared Palestine Authority’s security strategy against Israel

LONDON - The Palestinian Authority’s security strategy to crush Hamas and other armed groups on the West Bank was originally drawn up by Britain’s intelligence service, MI6, papers leaked by Al-Jazeera TV reveal.

According to The Guardian, the MI6 strategy included internment of leaders and activists, closure of radio stations and replacement of imams in mosques - the bulk of which has since been carried out.

Two documents drafted by the Secret Intelligence Service in conjunction with other Whitehall departments, are understood to have been passed to Jibril Rajoub, former head of PA security in the West Bank, at the beginning of 2004 by an MI6 officer then based at the British consulate in Jerusalem.

The evidence uncovered by the leaked documents highlights the role British officials and security advisers have played in creating and bolstering the PA administration in the West Bank, which is backed and financed by the US, the EU and most Arab states as it pursues what are now all but moribund peace talks with Israel.

Issues include suicide bombing, weapons smuggling, Qassam rockets and “terror finance”.

The Guardian has independently authenticated the SIS and other leaked British official documents. (ANI)