Special report: Internal situation in Palestine

    RAMALLAH, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- A lawmaker from the Fatah movement loyal to President Mahmoud Abbas said on Thursday that the movement will confront any auxiliary forces to be formed by the ruling Hamas movement in West Bank cities.

    Jamal al-Tirawi told the Voice of Palestine that Hamas Auxiliary Forces are illegal and the Fatah movement will prosecute anyone joining the forces.

    Al-Tirawi made the remarks in response to reports that Hamas began forming forces in the West Bank, similar to its forces in the Gaza Strip currently controlled by the Interior Ministry.

    Hamas claims that the forces in the West Bank are designated to protect its ministers and lawmakers and government buildings after they were targeted several times by angry protestors and militants belonging to the Fatah movement.

    He pointed out that the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the Fatah armed wing, would issue a statement pledging allegiance to "official and legitimate security services, and will face any illegal force and target its members.

    Interior Minister Said Siam formed Auxiliary Forces in the Gaza Strip in May to boost security. Recently, Auxiliary Forces have curbed several armed demonstrations by unpaid security members.