Iranian-Backed Group Arrested in Bethlehem
“Al-Sabirin” movement selecting activists belonging to Shi’ite families
Kifah Ziboun Asharq Al Awsat 5 Feb, 2016
http://english.aawsat.com/2016/02/article55347280/iranian-backed-group-arrested-in-bethlehem

Ramallah- Palestinian security forces in the West Bank managed to abort an
attempt on establishing an infrastructure for the “Al-Sabirin [The Patient]
for the Victory of Palestine.”. The movement is present in Gaza and is known
for its direct affiliation with the Iranian regime.

Security sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that five activists affiliated with
the newly-founded movement in Bethlehem, located east of the West Bank, were
arrested. They had received funds from “Al-Sabirin” in Gaza, and are
presumed to harbor intentions of establishing movement units in the West
Bank.

Sources clarified that this is not the first time the Iranian government has
attempted to form armed factions in the West Bank. During the Second
Intifada, they tried to support militant factions via the Lebanese
Hezbollah, yet they failed.

“Al-Sabirin” is a movement that was launched in Gaza, over two years ago.
Hisham Salem, founder of the movement, is an ex-Islamic Jihad leader and one
of those who broke away from their factions to launch movements supported by
Iran.

It is believed that the arrested activists in Bethlehem belong to families
who had previously converted to Shi’itism. Moreover, Salem did not hide the
presence of “Al-Sabirin” agents in both the West Bank and Jerusalem.

Salem said that he had received full-on support from the Iranian government,
just the way Hezbollah did. Salem clarified that his movement is not a Shi’ite
one; however Palestinians, especially in Gaza, found his declaration hard to
believe.

Sources also told Asharq Al-Awsat that Iranian support flowing in for
“Al-Sabirin” clearly defines the orientation of the movement.

Many consider Salem a mere Iranian proxy promoting Shi’itism across the Gaza
Strip. Other Islamic movements and the Salafists had broadcasted several
times videos in which events and rituals relevant to the Shi’ite sect being
held in Gaza. What makes accusations real for observers, is the YouTube
videos showing Salem talking about historical events that are important to
Shi’ites, such as the battle of Karbala and the killing of Imam Hussein.

Palestinians are concerned that movements like “Al-Sabirin” will lead to an
outbreak of sectarian strife in the Gaza Strip.