GAZA (Reuters) - Special forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas assumed control of the Gaza Strip's border with Egypt on Tuesday in a move certain to heighten tensions with Islamic militant group Hamas.
Abbas had been under international and Israeli pressure to take control of the Palestinian-run border away from the Hamas-led interior ministry after the group's crushing electoral win against the long-dominant Fatah party in January.
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Witnesses said the handover was peaceful, with interior ministry forces leaving the terminal calmly. Fatah members make up the backbone of the departing forces and have remained loyal to Fatah since Hamas assumed control of the ministry.
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POLITICAL REPERCUSSIONS
Analysts say taking control of the crossing may spark political discord with Hamas, which has largely abided by a truce with Israel for over a year but remains sworn to the Jewish state's destruction.
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