Fatah brings reinforcements into Gaza- source

JERUSALEM, May 15 (Reuters) Hundreds of fighters loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah faction crossed into Gaza from Egypt today as possible reinforcements in fighting against Hamas militants, Western sources said.

The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt was briefly opened to readmit a 450-strong Fatah contingent into the coastal strip, according to the sources, who spoke in Israel on condition of anonymity. They were not carrying heavy equipment.

The sources said the crossing was opened, with Israeli consent, in only one direction to allow in the Fatah contingent. Once they crossed into Gaza, the crossing was re-closed.

Israeli officials had no immediate comment.

The 450 fighters are loyal to Abbas's national security adviser, Mohammad Dahlan.

Western officials say Dahlan, recuperating from leg surgery in Egypt, recently sent about 500 men loyal to Fatah to Egypt to receive more advanced instruction in police tactics, according to Western diplomats.

Abbas could also dispatch thousands of reinforcements from the occupied West Bank, but it was unclear whether he would do so and whether Israel would approve the move.

Abbas could also draw upon the Jordan-based Badr Brigade, a Fatah-dominated force that includes at least 1,000 members.

Israel has signalled support in the past for Badr's deployment in the Gaza Strip, but US and other Western officials have played down their readiness.

REUTERS SLD KN1547