Hamas deploys troops alongside Gaza-Egypt border

About 200 Palestinian security member and Hamas supporters were deployed on Sunday alongside the border with Egypt in southern Gaza Strip to secure the area.

The sacked Hamas government called for the deployment following fears of attempts by the militant groups to bomb the border and allow thousands of Palestinians who stuck in Egypt back to Gaza.

Members of the National Security Forces (NSF) defied the new emergency government's orders and went to work upon Hamas calls.

"We have some 200 soldiers who wish to resume working and carry out our national duties," said Ibraheem Abu al-Heyja, an NSF officer.

After Hamas took control of Gaza Strip, Abbas dismissed the Hamas-led coalition and formed an emergency government based in West Bank.

The new government asked the employees in Gaza not to work and promised to get them paid every month.

Crossing points in Gaza Strip where also sealed off since the Hamas coup.

Fawzi Barhoom, a spokesman for Hamas, told reporters that his movement "has been doing great efforts with Egypt to reopen Rafah border crossing and bring the stranded travelers to Gaza."

On Saturday, a senior Hamas lawmaker denied reports which quoted him as calling on Gaza militants to secure the opening of Rafah terminal "in their own way."

Source: Xinhua