Palestinians attempt to stop mortar fire
Pressure mounts in Palestinian Authority to eradicate mortar shell and Qassam rocket fire at Israeli targets ahead of Abbas’ scheduled meeting with U.S. President Bush
Palestinian security forces have deployed in Gaza Sunday to prevent mortar shell and Qassam rocket fire at Israeli settlements in Gaza and western Negev towns.
Eyewitnesses told Ynet Palestinian Police Special Forces kicked off the deployment, and additional units are expected to join them in a bid to prevent mortar shell and Qassam attacks on Israeli targets and fight growing lawlessness in the area.
The forces are focusing on beefing up the north Gaza area.
Saturday Palestinian Interior Minister Nasser Yousef met with Palestinian security chiefs in Gaza to coordinate a crackdown on the growing lawlessness in Palestinian areas, Palestinian officials said.
He also demanded they work toward eradicating the increasing mortar shell and Qassam rocket attacks emanating from Gaza.
Despite the firm stance, PA sources have emphasized they have no intention of hurting members of the different Palestinian organizations and that the activity would focus solely on those who would break the law and fire at Israeli targets.
In recent days pressure within the PA to maintain the cease-fire with Israel has mounted. Palestinian sources said the truce is of Palestinian interest, especially in light of PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas’ scheduled visit to the U.S. this month and the possibility of a meeting between Abbas and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.
Senior Palestinian officials are expected to meet with U.S. special envoy for Gaza Disengagement James Wolfensohn Sunday to update him on the PA’s economic situation and needs ahead of the disengagement and in general.
