Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06JERUSALEM2315
2006-06-08 14:50:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Consulate Jerusalem
Cable title:  

DESPITE AGREEMENT TO REDEPLOY, HAMAS SPECIAL

Tags:  PREL ASEC CASC KPAL KWBG IS 
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VZCZCXYZ0021
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHJM #2315 1591450
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 081450Z JUN 06
FM AMCONSUL JERUSALEM
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2619
INFO RUEHXK/ARAB ISRAELI COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RHEHNSC/WHITE HOUSE NSC PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L JERUSALEM 002315 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

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

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/08/2016
TAGS: PREL ASEC CASC KPAL KWBG IS
SUBJECT: DESPITE AGREEMENT TO REDEPLOY, HAMAS SPECIAL
SECURITY FORCES STILL VISIBLE ON GAZA STREETS

REF: JERUSALEM 2299

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

C O N F I D E N T I A L JERUSALEM 002315

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

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

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/08/2016
TAGS: PREL ASEC CASC KPAL KWBG IS
SUBJECT: DESPITE AGREEMENT TO REDEPLOY, HAMAS SPECIAL
SECURITY FORCES STILL VISIBLE ON GAZA STREETS

REF: JERUSALEM 2299

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


1. (C) SUMMARY: Senior Fatah and Hamas officials agreed
June 7 to redeploy the Ministry of Interior Special Security
Forces from populated areas and main thoroughfares in the
Gaza Strip. Despite the agreement, UN personnel and Fatah
contacts reported June 8 that SSF are still visibly present
in Gaza, albeit at a lower profile. There were no reported
clashes between Fatah and Hamas gunmen on June 8 as of 1600L.
END SUMMARY.

--------------
HAMAS AND FATAH REACH DEAL ON SSF
--------------


2. (C) During a June 7 meeting in Gaza City under the
auspices of Egyptian officials, Hamas and Fatah
representatives agreed that the Ministry of Interior (MOI)
will order its Special Security Forces (SSF) to pull back
from all populated centers and main intersections in the Gaza
Strip. MOI spokesman Khaled Abu Hilal told the press that
the decision was taken to alleviate tension in the streets of
Gaza, but stressed that the SSF could be deployed at a future
date as needed. Fatah sources said that both sides also
agreed to ban the public display of weapons.

--------------
SSF STILL VISIBLE ON GAZA STREETS
--------------


3. (C) As of the evening of June 7, the SSF partially
pulled out of main intersections in Gaza City, Rafah, the
southern Gaza Strip and in central area refugee camps. Fatah
sources noted that the SSF are now wearing blue uniforms,
similar to those of civil police special units (reftel).
Both sides reportedly agreed that the SSF will be integrated
into the civil police and will be deployed only after
finalizing their integration.


4. (C) UN and Fatah contacts in Gaza reported June 8 that,
despite the agreement, the SSF is still visible, albeit at a
lower profile, patroling on minor roads and maintaining
positions at strategic locations. According to UN staff,
many Gazans have turned to the SSF to respond to issues that
are normally handled by the police.


5. (C) As of 1600L on June 8, there were no reported clashes
between Fatah and Hamas in Gaza.

WALLES