Gunmen from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’ movement announced the formation of a militia to counter Hamas police, media reported. The 2,000-strong militia will “protect Fatah’s sons and Fatah’s institutions against attacks, whether from Israel or from parties” at home, said militia spokesman Al-Muatasem Billah. Reuters quoted him as saying that the group does not want to clash with Hamas police, “but if it happens, we will not stand handcuffed.” The creation of the militia raises concerns in an area where factional violence wounded 30 people last month.
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