The deposed Hamas government installs its own police forces

Monday August 27, 2007 12:42 by Rami Almeghari - IMEMC&Agencies

The deposed Hamas government in Gaza is prepared to launch three new security apparatuses in the costal region, secretary general of the Hamas cabinet, Mohamad Awad, confirmed.

illustration photo

The newly-installed bodies are internal security, coastal guards and the woman police, will be entitled to maintaining order, protecting Gaza’s shores and dealing with women-related issues in the conservative community of Gaza.

According to the Hamas-linked Palestine Information Center, secretary of the Islamist government released a statement, making clear that all preparations have been made and that the new police forces will commence duties shortly.

Awad renewed his government’s respect of law and freedom of press, calling on all journalists to move freely for the best of conveying the truth in both Gaza and West Bank.

The Islamist Hamas took over Gaza in June, closing a chapter of internecine fighting with the President Abbas-led Fatah party. Abbas considered the move illegal, installed a new government in Ramallah and demanded Hamas to give up its control over Gaza.

Palestinian security forces in Gaza, which used to be commanded by President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah, abandoned their posts, when Hamas took complete control of the region two months ago.

gaza strip | palestinian politics | news report rami at imemc dot org