Further deterioration of security conditions in the Gaza Strip was reported here today as pro-Egyptian elements renewed activities aimed at destroying the authority of the United Nations forces stationed in the Strip following the Israel withdrawal.
Deputy Mayor Munir el-Rais of Gaza, an ardent Egyptian agent, announced that he had taken over responsibility for “internal security” in the area. He has so completely terrorized municipal workers and public service employes that they fear to appear for work, thus paralyzing the public services.
The United Nations forces, it was reported today, are short-staffed and unable to deal with this situation. UNEF units are unable even to maintain coordination since the pro-Egyptian elements are jamming the local telephone services.
The United Nations forces have recognized Munir as “head” of the council which has presented a statement to the UNEF command declaring that the population rejects cooperation with the United Nations and demands the return of the Egyptian administration.
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