Palestinian forces deploy in Gaza to restore order

Tens of Palestinian security members deployed on streets in the unquiet Gaza Thursday in a bid to restore order after the interior minister has reportedly won more power.

Common patrols between forces loyal to President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah and Interior Minister Hani al-Qawasmeh, who is an independent but close to Hamas, took part in the long-awaited security campaign.

The deployment started after midnight and the forces were seen stopping and checking cars.

Security sources said the deployment of the troops would be completed in the coming 48 hours.

The sources added that President Abbas has given orders to the security chiefs to launch the campaign of order restoration and that these troops would refer to the interior ministry.

Nabil Shaath, an aide to Abbas, said the deployment of the troops was part of an agreement involving security measures reached between Abbas and Prime Minister Ismail Haneya of Hamas, without elaborating.

The Abbas-Haneya deal came after al-Qawasmeh's demand to resign owing to lack of power and cooperation from security chiefs loyal to Abbas' Fatah movement.

Al-Qawasmeh has withdrawn his resignation after Abbas on Tuesday granted him more power and authorities to start his security plan which was approved earlier by the government.

Human rights organizations estimate that more than 400 people were killed in the past year due to security anarchy and clan rivalries in the lawlessness Palestinian territories.

Source: Xinhua