GAZA, May 19 (UPI) -- Tensions inside the Palestinian territories continued Friday amid the resolve of the Hamas-led government to maintain its special force in Gaza's streets.
Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh told thousands of worshippers at the main mosque in Gaza City the government will not reverse its decision to deploy the special force grouping members from various Palestinian factions to help impose order and security in the area.
"I affirm that this force will remain and will be integrated in the police and will be assuming its mission within the police agencies' framework to boost internal security," Haniyeh said.
"We will also increase the number of the force if need be," he added.
The deployment of the force was opposed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah who stressed that maintaining security is the responsibility of the Palestinian Authority's security agencies.
In another development, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zahri was detained at the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt by Palestinian officials and international observers for trying to bring in a large amount of money.
Palestinian security forces seized 950,000 euros, the equivalent of more than $1 million which Abu Zahri carried on him as he tried to cross back into Gaza.
A Palestinian security source said the money was confiscated because Abu Zahri did not carry documents indicating the source of the funds and their destination.
The source said after negotiations between the Palestinian government and Palestinian security along with international observers, it was decided to release Abu Zahri and transfer the money to the interior ministry to verify its sources.
Abu Zahri said the money was donated by Palestinians abroad to their compatriots in the occupied territories.
