The unit, known as the General Security Service, relied on a network of Gaza informants, some of whom reported their own neighbors to the police. People landed in security files for attending protests or publicly criticizing Hamas. Hamas has long run an oppressive system of governance in Gaza, and many Palestinians there know that security officials watch them closely. Security officials trailed journalists and people they suspected of immoral behavior. Political protests were viewed as threats to be undermined.

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Persons: Yahya Sinwar Organizations: The New York Times, General Security Service Locations: Gaza, Israel