Hamas slams reports Abbas is forming new forces loyal to himself

The governing Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) on Monday slammed reports that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was forming new forces to face Hamas militia.

"Any decision to create an army or military forces controlled by the president should be subject to the term of defending the Palestinian people and face the occupation," said Hamas lawmaker Salah al-Bardawil, who is also Hamas spokesman in parliament.

Any new forces "should not be based on countering Hamas movement," al-Bardawil stressed.

Al-Bardawil made the remarks following Israeli press reports said an army was being established for President Abbas with U.S. fund and support.

In response, al-Bardawil asserted that Hamas movement "will not accept a Palestinian army trained by American hands."

Moreover, the Hamas lawmaker also revealed that the Interior Ministry, which controls Auxiliary Forces loyal to Hamas, is planning to expand the forces "to face corruption, lawlessness and counter the aggression."

Several armed clashes between security members loyal to Abbas and the Auxiliary Forces erupted in the past few days, deepening the rift between the two rival movements.

Some analysts here see the alleged Abbas' decision to boost his presidential guard troop as a measure to confront Hamas' Auxiliary Forces.

The Auxiliary Forces were established under a decision by Hamas government's Interior Minister Said Siam in April with most of its troops were members of Hamas and allied groups.

Source: Xinhua