In this image from video released by unknown Palestinian militants late Saturday, Jan. 6, 2007, Mahdi al-Khamdali of Hamas, the Deputy-mayor of the West Bank city Nablus is seen surrounded by gunmen in an unknown location. On Saturday, gunmen in the West Bank stopped the car of al-Khamdali , pulled him out and took him away in a separate car, security officials said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but the officials said they believed the kidnappers were Fatah supporters. (AP Photo/HO)
Update: Mr. al-Khamdali was released almost immediately, which leads me to suspect that someone was going after some quick ransom cash-ola.
Palestinian deputy mayor of Nablus, Mahdi al-Khamdali of Hamas, is welcomed by supporters after his release by Fatah gunmen Monday, Jan. 8, 2007. Fatah gunmen released al-Khamdali unharmed on Monday, two days after kidnapping him in a wave of factional violence spreading through the West Bank. Fatah and Hamas have been in a vicious power struggle since the Islamic group defeated Fatah in parliamentary elections last year. Hamas controls the legislature and most government functions, while Fatah holds the powerful presidency. (AP Photo/Nasser Ishtayeh)
Who said the mafia was dead? It seems to be alive and well over in the Palestinian territories.
