Hamas force says will double its numbers in Gaza

GAZA, Jan 6 (Reuters) A security force under the control of the Hamas government said it would double its numbers to 12,000 personnel, just hours after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declared the Gaza-based unit illegal.

''A decision was taken to increase the number of the executive force to 12,000,'' said Islam Shahwan, a spokesman of the unit.

''We call upon all sincere citizens to prepare themselves to join the force.'' Reuters PB RN2106