INTERIOR MINISTRY PULLS BACK SOME OF ITS FORCES;

C O N F I D E N T I A L JERUSALEM 002150

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE; NSC FOR ABRAMS/DORAN/LOGERFO

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/26/2016
TAGS: KPAL KWBG PREL IS ASEC CASC
SUBJECT: INTERIOR MINISTRY PULLS BACK SOME OF ITS FORCES;
CLASHES CONTINUE IN GAZA

REF: JERUSALEM 02134

Classified By: Consul General Jake Walles, per reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) SUMMARY: The PA Interior Ministry scaled back its
deployment of the HAMAS-affiliated Special Security Force in
Gaza on May 26. The HAMAS commander of the force, Yusif
al-Zahar, told the media that the move is intended to reduce
tensions in Gaza, while noting that the Interior Minister
expected a reciprocal move by Fatah-affiliated forces.
Al-Zahar added that the HAMAS-affiliated militants, who make
up the Special Security Force, will be deployed again once
details have been finalized on their integration into the PA
Civil Police. At least 18 people were injured in Gaza City
on May 25 in two separate exchanges of fire between HAMAS
militants and officers from Preventive Security Organization
(PSO) and the Presidential Guard. END SUMMARY.

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Interior Minister Orders
Forces To Stand Down
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2. (C) Interior Minister Said Siyyam on May 26 ordered the
HAMAS-affiliated Special Security Forces to reduce their
deployment and cease foot patrols in most areas of Gaza.
Presidential Guard sources reported that Interior Ministry
forces are still deployed at major intersections in Gaza and
performing foot patrols in several areas of Gaza City, but
the number of HAMAS-affiliated men on the streets has been
reduced substantially.


3. (SBU) The commander of the Special Security Force, Yusif
al-Zahar, told the media on May 26 that the Interior Minister
had given the order to reduce the deployment to help ease
tensions in Gaza, and noted that the Interior Minister
expected Fatah to reciprocate in kind. Al-Zahar added that
many of the Special Security Force members (HAMAS and PRC
affiliated militants) will be deployed again once they have
been integrated into the Civil Police and issued new uniforms
(reftel). Al-Zahar said he expected this to occur soon.

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Clashes Continue
In Gaza City
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4. (C) At least 18 people were injured in Gaza City on May 25
in two separate exchanges of fire between HAMAS militants and
officers from Preventive Security (PSO) and the Presidential
Guard. The heaviest fighting broke out on Thalathini Street
in Gaza City a short while after the National Dialogue had
convened. According to sources in President,s Gaza City
office, the fighting began when several PSO officers opened
fire on a patrol of HAMAS-affiliated forces. FSNI in Gaza
reported that 10 PSO officers, 3 civilians, and two HAMAS
militiamen were wounded in the subsequent fighting. During
the fighting, the HAMAS forces reportedly fired RPGs.


5. (C) In a separate incident, clashes broke out in Gaza City
on May 25 between officers from the Presidential Guard and
HAMAS militants. President,s office officials reported that
3 members of the Presidential Guard were injured in the
incident.

WALLES