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Hamas army in Gaza
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Gaza: Hamas sets up new security forces

Thousands of Palestinians in Gaza Strip recruited for new security force to operate in addition to Hamas’ military wing

Hamas is recruiting thousands of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to man its new security forces, according to a source in the organization.

 

The new security forces will be comprised of Hamas’ military recruits and members of affiliated organizations. The source emphasized that the new security forces would operate separately from Hamas’ military wing.

 

At present, Hamas’ special task force is the only force operating in the Gaza Strip. The task force is responsible for keeping order in the city’s streets, fighting crime, cracking down on collaborators, and even directing traffic.

 

Hamas officials hope the new security forces will help to ease the workload on the special task force.

 

“It’s funny how Fatah officials keep talking about getting the situation in the Strip back to how it was as a condition for dialog between us. What happened, happened, and now there is a new reality, and we feel the world is more willing to recognize us as part of the Palestinian identity,” the source said.

 

“People will be surprised at the level of professionalism exercised by the forces being established,” he added.

 

In addition to the new security forces, Hamas is working towards establishing a new intelligence branch in Gaza, according to a report by the London-based Al-Sharq Al-Awsat Arabic language newspaper.

 

The new intelligence branch, which will be responsible for relaying information between the different security forces operating in the city, is expected to begin operating within a few weeks.

 


פרסום ראשון: 07.31.07, 10:12
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