GAZA: Hamas executive force makes presence felt in Gaza streets

Need a policeman in the Gaza Strip? Dial 109 for Hamas's Executive Force. Wearing t-shirts emblazoned with a picture of an eagle spreading its wings, the 6,000-member security contingent is making its mark in the chaotic territory. As an Executive Force contingent fresh from training was sent on its first round, the head of the force in the Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis said establishing the new force was a great achievement. "We are presenting our people with this great accomplishment because our people always deserve the best," said the officer, who goes by the nom de guerre Abou Yahya. Some Gazans welcome the strong hand. Others call the Islamist movement's young, bearded fighters menacing. Hamas security men now race to take weapons away from Palestinians who celebrate at weddings by firing shots in the air. Local residents said the Executive Force broke up several weddings of Fatah activists because songs praising the faction were played and gunshots were fired. Hamas volunteers have been helping the Executive Force direct traffic on the Gaza Strip's crowded streets, and drivers seem to be more disciplined in following the rules of the road. "We are trying to spread security to all the people in the Gaza Strip. God willing, people will begin to see the effects over the coming few days," one of the volunteers, Wael Kharoubi, said. One story has it that a Hamas policeman ran behind a car for 500 metres (yards) after it ran a red light. Car theft has dropped dramatically, but other property crimes have not been curbed in the economically-depressed territory. President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah has ordered loyalist policemen and the attorney general not to cooperate with Hamas's Gaza administration. Hamas responded last week by dismissing the attorney general and briefly detaining him. Hamas took over the strip two months ago. Western aid embargo imposed on the former Hamas-led government because of the Islamist movement's refusal to renounce violence and recognise Israel's right to exist has prevented payment of full salaries to 165,000 government workers for more than a year.

ITN Source | August 21, 2007

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