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Hamas Militia Withdraws From Gaza
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=125F3D8:3919ACA Hamas commander
says his troops withdrew from all locations Friday, as ordered by
Interior Ministry The governing Palestinian group Hamas says it has
withdrawn its militia from the streets of the Gaza Strip to avoid
further bloody clashes with the rival Fatah faction.

A Hamas commander said his troops withdrew from all locations Friday,
as ordered by the Interior Ministry.

Hamas deployed a force of about 3,000 men in Gaza earlier this month,
triggering deadly clashes with Fatah activists loyal to Palestinian
President Mahmoud Abbas.

The two factions are holding talks in Ramallah, to reduce tensions and
bridge political differences between them.







Palestinian security officer loyal to President Mahmoud Abbas stands
guard next to Fatah posterThursday, Mr. Abbas urged Hamas to accept
within 10 days a proposal for a Palestinian state alongside Israel, or
face a referendum on the idea.



In another development, Israel says it has authorized the transfer of
light weapons to Palestinian guards protecting President Abbas.

But aides to Mr. Abbas said they were not aware of the Israeli
decision.

Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas said he is committed to unity
and vowed to avoid civil war. He said the enemy is Israeli occupation.

Mr. Haniyeh and Mr. Abbas have been locked in a power struggle and
disagree on how to deal with Israel. Mr. Abbas is considered a
moderate and favors peace talks with Israel and a two-state solution.
Hamas has refused to renounce violence and seeks Israel's destruction.


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