Hamas To Form Its Own Security Agencies
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Courtesy of: World Tribune
Thursday, February 9, 2006

Ramallah--Hamas plans to form its own security agencies to operate parallel to those of the Palestinian Authority.

"The PA does not want us to enter the security agencies," a senior Hamas operative said.
"So, we will create our own agencies."

The operatives said Hamas would not encounter a problem funding its security program.
They said Iran has relayed commitments to help Hamas establish security agencies and fill any funding shortfall as a result of a cutoff from the West.

PA security officials said they would not accept Hamas fighters unless they fulfill requirement standards. The officials said even Hamas Insurgency commanders must start at the entry level.

"We will have final authority to accept who we allow in the security forces," a senior PA commander said. "If we give this up, then Hamas is in complete charge."

The Islamic Movement has not conceded on plans to take over PA security agencies.
They said Hamas expects to control several PA security agencies once it leads a government.

"We expect the Hamas-led government to control the security services which according to the law fall under the responsibility of the Minister of Interior," said Hamas spokesman
Mushir Al Masri.

At the same time, Hamas operatives said thousands of trained fighters would be recruited for police and security positions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. They said the Hamas troops would ensure internal security and defend against Israeli attacks.

The senior operative said the Islamic fighters would launch operations that have been avoided by the PA. He cited anti-crime missions as well as the battle against drugs and corruption.

Hamas was even prepared to halt unauthorized Palestinian missile strikes against Israel.
The senior operative said Hamas forces would arrest Fatah, Islamic Jihad and other gunners who violate the so-called calm, or Tahdiya, with Israel. Over the last week, Fatah has increased attacks against Israel.

Since the Jan. 25 Hamas victory in the Palestinian Legislative Council elections,
PA security agencies have fallen in disarray. Palestinian sources said the only security agency still operating as normal is the traffic police.

Hamas said commanders have been drafting plans to organize security Intelligence agencies. operatives said Hamas, which has weapons production facilities, could quickly assume control over the entire Gaza Strip.

"We don't need PA weapons," another Hamas operative said. "We have enough factories to produce all the weapons and munitions we need."