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Source: http://today.reuters.com/
Hamas' "Executive Force" Gains Strength in Gaza
[Reuters] Nidal al-Mughrabi - They call themselves the "Executive Force" of the Hamas-led government. Rivals prefer "Black Militia" or "Peshmerga" - a word that literally means "those who face death" but is used by some Gazans for a gun-for-hire. In Gaza, Hamas' force has nearly doubled in size in five months - its answer to efforts by PA Chairman Abbas to consolidate security control and expand his presidential guard. It has grown to 5,600 men, up from 3,000 in May when it was created over Abbas' objections. Abbas' "Presidential Guard" has also expanded from some 2,500 members in March to between 3,500 and 4,000, and a $20 million U.S. plan calls for expanding it to 6,000. Diplomats and security experts say the balance of firepower in Gaza has already tipped in Hamas' favor after a wave of killings targeting security officials loyal to Abbas. Several Fatah commanders from Gaza have left for the West Bank or Egypt for their own safety. Palestinian and Israeli security officials say Hamas has been funding its force by smuggling in cash and weapons through the Egyptian border.