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Palestinian Forces Deploy in Gaza ‘to Halt Attacks’
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Abu Mazen ordered security forces to halt attacks against Israel
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GAZA, January 21 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) – Palestinian
security forces were deployed Friday, January 21, across northern Gaza
in a bid reportedly to prevent the Palestinian resistance factions
from launching mortar attacks against Israel.
Around
2,000 Palestinian paramilitary police were assigned to border towns of
Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahiya and other parts in northern
Gaza, Palestinian security sources said.
"We
have begun deploying our forces north and east of Gaza
City
to prevent any violations or attacks against
Israel
," a senior Palestinian security official told Agence
France
Presse (AFP) Thursday on condition of anonymity.
Palestinian
policemen in Beit Hanoun were seen inspecting vehicles and a squad in
a jeep patrolled a nearby road leading to Erez crossing point,
witnesses said.
The
deployment of the Palestinian security forces in
Gaza
came following a rare meeting between Israeli security officials and
local Palestinian commanders on Wednesday, January 19.
"There
was a security meeting this morning and
Israel
gave its green light to our working plan,” the source said.
"We
have guarantees from
Israel
that the posts will not be targeted at any time day or night and that
there will be no incursions."
Israel's army radio said Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz had authorized the
deployment of nine regiments of armed Palestinians after receiving a
detailed plan from Musa Arafat, head of the general security services
in Gaza Strip.
Israel
has been threatening a large-scale invasion of the Gaza Strip if the
attacks do not stop.
"Our
forces are in
Gaza
with clear instructions to resume retaliation if Qassam (rockets) and
mortars are fired," Deputy Defense Minister Zeev Boim was quoted
by Reuters as telling Israel Radio.
Palestinian
Move
The
Palestinian move followed talks between the new Palestinian President
Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) and leaders of the Palestinian resistance
factions in Gaza.
The
talks between Abu Mazen and the factions’ leaders tackled the need
to restraint to help ensure
Israel
pulls Jewish settlers out of the territory this year as planned,
according to aides to Abu Mazen.
Israeli
Prime Minister’s Ariel Sharon’s "disengagement" plan
centers on dismantling all Jewish settlements in Gaza Strip and the
evacuation of all 8,000 Jewish settlers from the impoverished Strip,
home to 1.3 million Palestinians by next September.
"This
is great. I hope it's going to be the beginning of calm at last,"
said Abu Tayseer al-Bakhri, 51, who lives near the border fence with
Israel.
Abbas
has called the salvoes on settlements and frequent rocket and mortar
launchings against the Israeli border town of
Sderot
counterproductive, saying they only drew retaliation.
However,
many Palestinian citizens and observers are skeptical about claims
that the Israeli withdrawal from
Gaza
would end incursions of occupation forces into Palestinian areas.
They
highlight the rocket attacks against
Israel
were mostly to revenge earlier aggressions of Israeli army, including
a massive use of force against innocent civilians, house demolitions
and incessant road closures.
Abbas’
orders to end attacks against
Israel
was met with an outcry, with many Palestinians believe
Israel
would have a free rein to launch more sweeps into the
West Bank
and Gaza Strip without deterrence.
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