The Palestinian Authority has said it is disbanding a small security unit in Gaza accused of human rights abuses. A senior official said the 70 members of the Department of Protection and Security, known as the “Death Squad”, would be re-assigned to other units. The unit was formed more than a year ago in response to attacks by opposition factions against the Palestinian Authority. Critics say some of the unit’s members turned into criminals. They allegedly confiscated land, smuggled weapons and intimidated the public. Correspondents say Palestinian reformers, as well as Israeli and American officials, have long demanded a major overhaul of the Palestinian security services. Full Story