Security plan hampered by lack of arms

The Palestinians have a detailed security plan for ensuring quiet during Israel's upcoming withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, but are suffering from a dire lack of weapons and equipment, a Palestinian security official has said.

Tawfiq Abu Khoussa, spokesman for the Palestinian Interior Ministry, said Palestinian forces are woefully ill-equipped in all major areas, including arms, ammunition, transportation and communications.

"We have less than 20 per cent of the rifles we need for our security men," Abu Khoussa said. He said the shortage of bullets is even more dire. "If a bullet is fired, it isn't replaced," he said.

Abu Khoussa said the Palestinians have raised requests with Israel and American officials for better arms and equipment.

He said Israel has failed to respond to the requests, while the Palestinians believe the Americans "understand" their needs.

Israeli defence officials say they are ready to consider the Palestinian requests, but have not made any decisions.

Israel fears weapons and bullets could be used in attacks against Israelis, as has happened in the past.

US officials, including Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, have stepped up pressure on Israel recently to cooperate with the Palestinians.

The Americans believe a successful withdrawal is crucial for future peace efforts, and hope it will lead to a resumption of the "road map" peace plan meant to bring about an independent Palestinian state.

Dov Weisglass, a top aide to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, was set to travel to Washington later yesterday for meetings with Rice, though Israeli officials said the arms issue wouldn't be on the agenda.

An independent group last week issued a report that said the Palestinian security forces are bloated, poorly armed, and suffer from corruption, despite attempts to overhaul them.

Despite such troubles, Abu Khoussa said the Palestinians have developed a detailed plan to maintain quiet.

"The entire security apparatus will be involved in ensuring a safe withdrawal," he said. "All security forces will be on high alert."

The plan would include sending Palestinian police into abandoned Jewish colonies to prevent looting, stationing other forces outside the colonies, while also placing units into open areas to prevent militants from firing rockets at Israeli targets.