Hamas issues ultimatum to Fatah security forces

Gaza, June 12: Hamas's armed wing threatened in an unprecedented ultimatum today to storm security headquarters controlled by the rival Fatah faction in Gaza City unless they are evacuated by 1630 IST.

In a statement broadcast by a Hamas radio station, Hamas's Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades listed the facilities as those of military intelligence, the presidential guard, national security and preventive security.

An initial statement set a deadline of 1730 ist but this was swiftly followed by another, issued around 1600 ist that gave the forces 30 minutes to quit their buildings.

The Hamas statement said the police force was not subject to the order. That force, though dominated by Fatah members, falls under the jurisdiction of the Hamas-led Interior Ministry and has so far largely sat out the recent clashes.

REUTERS

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