Check Point by Maor Kohn

Author:Maor Kohn [Kohn, Maor]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-04-06T16:00:00+00:00

21.

The chairman of Hamas’ political office was Ismail Bader, who usually resided outside the Gaza Strip, often in Syria or in the state of Qatar within the Persian Gulf. However, circumstances had led him to return for a visit via the Rafiah Crossing, connecting Gaza to Egypt. Bader was concerned about the internal disintegration of the organization he had helped bring to power in Gaza, an organization to which he had belonged to since the age of 10. Through years of perseverance, enduring numerous wars and immense bloodshed, Bader had risen to its top leadership position. And now, seemingly out of nowhere, someone had decided to undermine him, challenge his authority within the organization, and even threaten their families. Bader knew that if he were to relocate his children from the Gaza Strip, it could be interpreted as a sign of a terrorist organization’s collapse under the force of Israel or another terrorist organization looking to conquer, without a certain cause or without knowing who was behind them. On the other hand, leaving his children behind might endanger their lives.

Bader, like Shafiki, Ashrawi, and Sabri Saeed, had become prey in a witch hunt, with an elusive enemy confronting him. He had already deployed forces to investigate throughout the Gaza Strip, exploring with necessary brutality representatives from Fatah, Islamic Jihad, and other groups, both past and present, collaborators with Israel. Yet, nothing concrete was found. No one knew what fate had befallen Abir Adallah, his sister’s daughter.

Ismail Bader sat in the makeshift office he built for himself on Omar Al Mukhtar Street. He read the newspaper ‘Palestine’ which lay open on his desk. The time was 7:50 AM. Ibrahim Azberga, appointed by Shafiki to investigate the murders and disappearances in the Gaza Strip, had not yet arrived. Bader knew time was running short. At 8:15 AM, a meeting of Hamas leaders would convene to discuss the current security state, and decisions would be made there regarding whether to continue the escalation against Israel or conclude the ongoing cycle of conflict. He understood the importance of his presence, not because someone would force him to come or criticize him in his absence, but because it would influence his status within the organization. If the organization leaned towards ceasefire, Bader would remain a few more days, hoping that Abir would be found, with a glimmer of hope for her survival. He cast a quick glance at his phone’s screen. Another minute passed. He felt growing anger boiling within him, but knew he had to keep his composure. His reliance on Ibrahim was greater than Ibrahim’s reliance on him. He intended to serve revenge to him like a cold dish once the killer was captured.

At 7:53 AM, Ibrahim Azberga entered the office. He did not appear agitated or confrontational, and he did not attempt to challenge Ismail. On the contrary, he seemed as if he had been thrown out of his sickbed, weak. Ismail chose to forgo any attempt at dominance and opted for a more cordial approach.

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