Hamas threatens attack on Palestinian Authority officials

           Hamas threatened Wednesday to attack senior Palestinian Authority officials if the PA continues to 'hunt down' Hamas members. The spokesperson for the military wing of Hamas, Abu Obeida, warned that his organization will take drastic measures if the PA continues its policy of arresting Hamas officials. Hamas and Fatah have recently taken steps toward reconciliation, when Fatah official Azzam al-Ahmed met with Hamas leader Khaled Meshal in Syria two weeks ago. The meeting concluded with an agreement and a promise to continue talks. Two weeks ago, Palestinian security forces arrested top Hamas official Abd El Rahman Zidan, in what the Hamas man called a symbolic act in response to his statements criticizing the peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. Abd El Rahman Zidan, 50, said his house in Dir village in the northern West Bank was surrounded by over 100 Palestinian security officials at approximately 1 A.M., who then allegedly proceeded to wake him and his family up and ransack their belongings. Following the search, Zidan said he was led to the security headquarters in town wearing his pajamas, only to be subsequently released into the city's main street minutes after his arrival. Last week the Israel Defense Forces killed a Hamas military commander in the West Bank, in the latest of recent violent clashes between Israel and the Islamist organization. Hamas leaders, including Zidan, declared their objection to the recent re-launching of direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. (19,00)