More Palestinian inconsistencies

Dahlan threatens continued attacks

Former Palestinian Authority security minister Mohammed Dahlan threatened on Friday that the Palestinians will continue to launch attacks on Israel if it does not withdraw from the strategic Philadelphi Route along the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt.

In an interview with Israel Radio, Dahlan said that PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas was committed to maintaining security while the planned Israeli withdrawal from Gush Katif proceeds.

But he warned that Israeli failure to withdraw from the border area with Egypt would turn the Philadelphi Route into another "Shab'a Farms", referring to an area along the Israeli border with Lebanon that Hizbullah demands Israel evacuate. The Shab'a Farms, or Mount Dov area, has been a frequent target of attack by Hizbullah.

Dahlan, who is expected to play a key role in the new PA cabinet, said the PA was determined to fight lawlessness and anarchy. He also complained that Israel has thus far failed to live up to agreements to turn over Jericho and other cities to PA control.

Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinians demonstrated in the West Bank and Gaza Strip over the weekend to demand the release of all prisoners held in Israeli jails. The protesters warned that there would be no cease-fire with Israel until all the prisoners are released.

"There will be no calm or hudna (temporary truce) or stability unless all the prisoners are released unconditionally," said Hamas official Said Siam following Friday prayers in Gaza City.

"The resistance will continue and our fingers will remain on the trigger unless all the prisoners are freed. We will release them sooner or later."

Similar protests were held in Ramallah, Nablus and Kalkilya, where Hamas and Fatah spokesmen also warned that there would be no truce with Israel until it agrees to release all the prisoners. They also urged the Palestinian Authority not to sign any deal with Israel that leaves Palestinians in Israeli jails.