Hamas government orders new militia off Gaza’s streets

GAZA (Reuters) – The Hamas-led Palestinian government has
ordered a controversial paramilitary force deployed by the
militant group to pull back from Gaza’s streets, a member of
the unit and officials said on Friday.

The order came from Interior Minister Saeed Seyam, said
Youssef al-Zahar, a leader of the Hamas-led force. It follows
deadly clashes between the Hamas unit and security services
loyal to the rival Fatah movement of President Mahmoud Abbas.

“We have received orders to withdraw from the streets and
to concentrate in certain locations to be ready to rush to the
scene when needed to confront chaos…,” al-Zahar told Reuters.

Government officials confirmed the order, saying it was
partly an attempt to reduce internal tensions.

The move comes a day after Abbas surprised Hamas with an
ultimatum to back a proposal for Palestinian statehood that
implicitly recognizes Israel or face a referendum on the issue.

No members of the 3,000-strong Hamas force were visible in
the streets of the impoverished Gaza Strip early on Friday,
Reuters witnesses said.

Clashes between Hamas and Fatah have become more frequent
since the government deployed the paramilitary unit last week.
A cabinet spokesman has said the new force would not be
disbanded despite calls from Abbas to do so.