The Palestinian Government and Hillis family Agree to Ceasefire

Child killed in clashes (MaanImages)

21 October 2007

Gaza – The legitimate Palestinian Interior Ministry in the Gaza Strip on Sunday announced positive results in the ceasefire negotiations with the Hillis family.

The ministry issued a statement reading, "Out of consideration for the preservation of Palestinian blood and in order to maintain law and order, the ministry reached an agreement with the Hillis family.

"According to the agreement, the family must commit to the ceasefire and remove armed elements and roadblocks from the streets.

"The family pledged to handover suspects accused of shooting [civilians]."

The statement also said the family is willing to cooperate with negotiations.

It asserted that Palestinian police in Gaza have the right to impose law and order.

Violence erupted between the Fatah-affiliated Hillis family and Palestinian police last Wednesday.

Fighting erupted anew on Saturday, between the Hillis family and Hamas forces.

Six people have been killed in the clashes, including a child.

The legitimate Palestinian government in Gaza commended the agreement and ordered the Interior Ministry to implement it immediately.