Ramallah – Ma’an – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued two presidential decrees on Tuesday; the first ordering the dissolution of armed militias and the second, the cancellation of taxes for residents of the Gaza Strip.
The first decree states that all forms of militias, military groups or informal military fighters must be disbanded and are to be considered illegal.
It is forbidden for militias or military formations to conduct any secret or unannounced activities, anyone who aids the operation of these groups will be interrogated and subject to punitive measures.
The decree added that the government will strive to end the phenomena of armed groups in general. The government will also implement laws regarding carrying arms and will seize all weapons and explosives which expose the general security forces to danger.
Tax free Gaza
The second decree states that item 88 of the constitution will be suspended in the southern governorates, i.e. the Gaza Strip.
All citizens in the southern governorates will be exempt form fees and taxes in the official departments and establishments.
The exemption excludes goods imported from outside the Palestinian territories and income tax that the public servants pay.