Palestinian Forces Deploy in Gaza ‘to Halt Attacks’

Around 2,000 Palestinian paramilitary police were assigned to border towns of Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahiya and other parts in northern Gaza , Palestinian security sources said.

"We have begun deploying our forces north and east of Gaza City to prevent any violations or attacks against Israel ," a senior Palestinian security official told Agence France Presse (AFP) Thursday on condition of anonymity.

Palestinian policemen in Beit Hanoun were seen inspecting vehicles and a squad in a jeep patrolled a nearby road leading to Erez crossing point, witnesses said.

The deployment of the Palestinian security forces in Gaza came following a rare meeting between Israeli security officials and local Palestinian commanders on Wednesday, January 19.

"There was a security meeting this morning and Israel gave its green light to our working plan,” the source said.

"We have guarantees from Israel that the posts will not be targeted at any time day or night and that there will be no incursions."

Israel ‘s army radio said Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz had authorized the deployment of nine regiments of armed Palestinians after receiving a detailed plan from Musa Arafat, head of the general security services in Gaza Strip.

Israel has been threatening a large-scale invasion of the Gaza Strip if the attacks do not stop.

"Our forces are in Gaza with clear instructions to resume retaliation if Qassam (rockets) and mortars are fired," Deputy Defense Minister Zeev Boim was quoted by Reuters as telling Israel Radio.

Palestinian Move

The Palestinian move followed talks between the new Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) and leaders of the Palestinian resistance factions in Gaza .

The talks between Abu Mazen and the factions’ leaders tackled the need to restraint to help ensure Israel pulls Jewish settlers out of the territory this year as planned, according to aides to Abu Mazen.

Israeli Prime Minister’s Ariel Sharon’s "disengagement" plan centers on dismantling all Jewish settlements in Gaza Strip and the evacuation of all 8,000 Jewish settlers from the impoverished Strip, home to 1.3 million Palestinians by next September.

"This is great. I hope it’s going to be the beginning of calm at last," said Abu Tayseer al-Bakhri, 51, who lives near the border fence with Israel .

Abbas has called the salvoes on settlements and frequent rocket and mortar launchings against the Israeli border town of Sderot counterproductive, saying they only drew retaliation.

However, many Palestinian citizens and observers are skeptical about claims that the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza would end incursions of occupation forces into Palestinian areas.

They highlight the rocket attacks against Israel were mostly to revenge earlier aggressions of Israeli army, including a massive use of force against innocent civilians, house demolitions and incessant road closures.

Abbas’ orders to end attacks against Israel was met with an outcry, with many Palestinians believe Israel would have a free rein to launch more sweeps into the West Bank and Gaza Strip without deterrence.