Jerusalem, Jun. 30 (UPI) — Israel revoked the permanent resident status of four Hamas parliamentarians Friday, including the Palestinian minister for Jerusalem Affairs. The minister, Khaled Abu Arafa, and the three other members of parliament were seized in a massive Israeli Defense Forces raid Thursday, the Jerusalem Post said. They had been warned of the action unless they resigned from Hamas within 30 days. Israeli Interior Minister Roni Bar-On announced the decision which in effect makes Arafa, Muhammad Abu Tir, Ahmed Abu Atoun and Mahmoud Totach foreigners in Israel. The prime minister, he said, "has no intention of playing games with Hamas." As a result, they will forfeit National Insurance Institute benefits and access to Israel's health and education services and will need visas to stay legally in the country.
The arrested Hamas members reportedly began a hunger strike, ynet.news.com said.