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Reports: Abbas' Security Forces Get Arms in Gaza
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1585FCD:A6F02AD83191E160AE3B565EEC1D30AC9574F7DCC14957C0 Israel's Haaretz
daily says arms transfer follows consultations between Israel, Egypt
and US





Palestinians run for cover during a gun battle, 22 Dec 2006Israeli
media say Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' security
forces in Gaza have received a shipment of arms, with Israel's help.

However, a spokesman for Mr. Abbas, Nabil Abu Rudeina, denied
receiving any such shipment.

The Israeli reports, citing government sources, said about 2,000
assault rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition were delivered in
recent days. The reports did not specify the source of the arms.

Israel's Haaretz daily says the weapons were transferred from Egypt to
Fatah's security forces in coordination with the Israeli military.

Israel and the West have been trying to bolster Mr. Abbas, whose
moderate Fatah faction has been locked in a power struggle with Hamas
since the militant group won Palestinian elections in January.

A shaky truce between Fatah and Hamas is currently in effect,
following days of violent clashes. Mr. Abbas has called for new
elections.

Haaretz says the arms transfer follows consultations between Israel,
Egypt and the United States, and a final decision was taken at last
week's meeting between Mr. Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud
Olmert. Some information for this report was provided by AFP and
Reuters.


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