Palestinian police in action (archive photo)
Photo: AP
Post-Mecca crackdown on crime in territories
Palestinian Authority makes move to improve resident security, launch all-out war on crime
The Palestinian Authority seems to have more time on their hands to deal with criminals since signing the Mecca agreement, and launched a crackdown operation Saturday to improve personal security of residents in the territories.
The operation is targeting thieves, drug dealers and even hardened criminals who talk on the cell phone while driving.
During the last few days it has been evident that the presence of Palestinian police officers on the streets of Gaza and the West Bank has been reinforced.
This operation is aimed at thwarting the Palestinian anarchy and improving residents' hopelessness and lack of personal security.
Palestinian police officers entered market places over the weekend and fined merchants who obstructing fair trade. In the West Bank city of Hebron, a special police unit raided an apartment where thieves who terrorized the neighborhood were staying.
Another common problem in the territories is illegal building that was previously under the responsibility of the Israeli civilian administration.
The Palestinian Authority has decided not to neglect the need for city planning and this week started to demolish houses, shops and stands that were illegally built.
