Abbas, Hamas locked in security showdown

Abbas has ultimate responsibility for security, which has become a key battleground between Hamas and Abbas and added to the pressure of a serious fiscal crisis in the government compounded by international aid cuts.

8220;President Abbas considers the decisions of interior minister Said Siam illegal and anti-constitutional, and he has sent a letter to this effect to Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh,8221; Tayeb Abdelrahim told reporters. Siam yesterday announced he was creating a new force of volunteer gunmen from armed factions to supplement the work of Palestinian police. At the same time he nominated top Gaza-based militant Jamal Abu Aamhadana to a senior position in the interior ministry to oversee various security elements.

The PA was left fuming at being given no prior notice of proclamations which saw the administration again castigated by Israel as a 8220;terrorist8221; outfit shortly before Abbas embarks on a European tour.