Hamas declares new security force operational
Hamas announced that a new security force, which was initially vetoed by Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas, had begun its mission to end the lawlessness pervading the Gaza Strip. As two more Hamas followers were killed in overnight shootings linked to their dispute with Abbas’s Fatah faction, Hamas interior minister Said Siam said the new volunteer force would seek to restore the rule of law. “The current weakness of the security forces is clear to everyone. There is stealing, kidnapping and killing, so there is a real need for this force,” Siam told a news conference. Full Story