Hamas Militia Withdraws From Gaza
26 May 2006
The governing Palestinian group Hamas says it has withdrawn its militia from the streets of the Gaza Strip to avoid further bloody clashes with the rival Fatah faction.
A Hamas commander said his troops withdrew from all locations Friday, as ordered by the Interior Ministry.
Hamas deployed a force of about 3,000 men in Gaza earlier this month, triggering deadly clashes with Fatah activists loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
The two factions are holding talks in Ramallah, to reduce tensions and bridge political differences between them.
Thursday, Mr. Abbas urged Hamas to accept within 10 days a proposal for a Palestinian state alongside Israel, or face a referendum on the idea.
In another development, Israel says it has authorized the transfer of light weapons to Palestinian guards protecting President Abbas.
But aides to Mr. Abbas said they were not aware of the Israeli decision.
Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas said he is committed to unity and vowed to avoid civil war. He said the enemy is Israeli occupation.
Mr. Haniyeh and Mr. Abbas have been locked in a power struggle and disagree on how to deal with Israel. Mr. Abbas is considered a moderate and favors peace talks with Israel and a two-state solution. Hamas has refused to renounce violence and seeks Israel's destruction.
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