Palestinians get first look at settlements

In a rare encounter, Israeli military commanders escorted Palestinian security officials on a tour of demolished Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip on Monday, giving the Palestinian delegation a first glimpse of the settlements since Israel evacuated about 8,500 settlers last month.

The visit was meant to help the Palestinians plan their own troop deployment when Israeli soldiers leave, which could happen as soon as next week.

Ordinary Palestinians are tantalised by the prospect of the settlement handover, but fears are growing that it could prove a catalyst for unrest.

An outbreak of chaos in Gaza could weaken Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who is trying to contain infighting in his Fatah movement and curtail the influence of militant groups such as Hamas. —LAT-WP