Hamas uses Whatsapp to obtain Israeli intel: Report

JERUSALEM

Palestinian group Hamas is allegedly using Whatsapp text messaging service to get intelligence from Israeli soldiers along the Gaza-Israel buffer zone, Israeli media reported.

Identifying themselves as Israelis, Hamas cyber operatives have been contacting soldiers via WhatsApp, sometime presenting information they have already managed to get on troop movements, Yedioth Aharonoth newspaper said.

An Israeli soldier said he has received a message from an unknown person asking to "send the dates of the next exercises the brigade was expecting to hold in the coming months and when the troops were scheduled to leave the area".

An Israeli army spokesman said the military "is aware of the enemy's activity and is following its efforts over social media".

"We call on all military and civilian personnel to act carefully and responsibly," he was quoted as saying by The Jerusalem Post.

There was no comment from Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, on the allegations.