Non-Subscriber Extract
Hamas-led PA expands Executive Force
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| 15 January 2007 |
By Mohammed Najib JDW Correspondent
Ramallah
The Hamas-led Palestinian Authority (PA) Interior Ministry announced on 6 January that it is to increase the strength of its "special operational force" (better known as the Executive Force (Tanfithya), in the Gaza Strip from its current strength of 5,500 to 12,000 personnel.
PA President Mahmoud Abbas has opposed the existence of the unit, saying it should be dismantled unless it is absorbed into the existing PA security forces.
Executive Force spokesperson Islam Shawan told Jane's on 11 January that the "decision to increase the strength of the unit came as a response to the demands of the citizens and not as a reaction to President Abbas' decision to dismantle it".
The force, which is commanded by Colonel Abu Obeida al-Jarah, a former Hamas operative, often co-ordinates its activities with the Izz ad-Din Al-Qassam Brigades.
Shahwan said that the Interior Ministry is thinking of deploying the Executive Force to the West Bank to end the security chaos and to protect Hamas institutions, despite Fatah's strong opposition to such a move.
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© 2006 Jane's Information Group
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