(Jerusalem Post) Khaled Abu Toameh - Abbas has issued instructions to recruit gunmen belonging to Fatah's armed wing, the Aksa Martyrs Brigades, into the PA security forces. "These men will play a role in building the PA and its institutions," he said, referring to scores of Fatah gunmen wanted by Israel for their involvement in terrorism. However, a spokesman for the Aksa Martyrs Brigades in Nablus rejected the offer, saying his men would continue to fight against Israel. Top members of the Aksa Martyrs Brigades in the Gaza Strip criticized Abbas's decision to prevent attacks against Israel. In Gaza City, Hamas spokesman Mushir al-Masri said his movement would not comply with the new orders. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and Islamic Jihad also rejected the call to halt attacks.
2005-01-18 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive