Palestinian forces deploy after killings

Gaza, Dec 12: President Mahmoud Abbas ordered security forces to deploy across Gaza today after the killing of three young sons of one of his loyalists shocked Palestinians and stoked fears of internal strife.

Tension between the moderate Abbas and the governing Hamas Islamist group soared after the attack by unidentified gunmen on Monday. The three children of a senior intelligence chief were shot dead as they arrived at school.

Early today, heavily-armed members of those security forces that take their orders from Abbas took up positions around key installations and road junctions in Gaza City.

''Palestinian security forces deployed in all streets of Gaza City to prevent crime. This was upon orders from President Abbas,'' said one Palestinian security source.

A force loyal to the Hamas government also strengthened its positions. There was no immediate sign of friction between the Abbas and Hamas loyalists, but fear of fresh clashes deepened sharply yesterday.

It was the first time that children have been targeted in such an attack. Angry mourners firing guns stormed the parliament compound during the funeral for the boys, aged 6 to 9.

A senior Palestinian intelligence official in the occupied West Bank said it was unclear who was behind the attack on Colonel Baha Balousha's children.

Besides internal political unrest, Gaza is riven with clan fighting and a surge in crime following a Western aid embargo on the Hamas government that has deepened poverty.

Political tension has been rising over the failure of Hamas and the formerly dominant Fatah movement to form a unity government that Palestinians hope might end the Western boycott.

Abbas aides said on Saturday the president planned to call early elections after talks on a unity government foundered.

Hamas accused Abbas of trying to topple the government, which came to power after winning elections.

REUTERS

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