GAZA CITY, April 27: Around 500 fighters from the Popular Resistance Committees will join a new security force that has been vetoed by Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas, the hardline faction announced on Thursday.

“Five hundred members of the Popular Resistance Committees will take part in this security force of 3,000 men, which will start work in a week,” spokesman Abu Abir told a news conference in Gaza City.

“This force will integrate with police and will help them, as well as the security services, to protect individuals and government institutions,” he said.

Mr Abbas, who as Palestinian Authority president has overall responsibility for security, has vetoed the creation of the volunteer force of hundreds of fighters from militant factions, as announced by Hamas interior minister Said Siam.

Flanking Abu Abir at the news conference were dozens of fighters from the Popular Resistance Committees brandishing guns, grenades and anti-tank rockets.—AFP