In a move designed to show how serious he is about maintaining the fragile cease fire between Palestinians and Israel, PA President Mahmoud Abbas fired his top security chiefs in the Gaza Strip after they failed to prevent mortar and rocket attacks by Hamas against Israel.

According to Palestinian Cabinet secretary Hassan Abu Libdeh, the moves were 'punitive measures against officers who did not undertake their responsibilities, which led to the latest developments in Gaza.'

According to anonymous sources, among those dismissed or resigning were Brigadier General Abdel Razek Majaidie and police chief Saeb al-Ajed. Several lower ranking officers and three other senior level officers were dismissed or had their resignations accepted.

'These are very dangerous developments, and they violate the legitimacy of the Palestinian Authority,' Abu Libdeh said. 'No one can continue with these violations.'

The Palestinian Authority is obligated to disarm and disrupt militant groups and prevent them from attacking Israel as part of the 'road map' peace plan. Abbas has preferred to negotiate with Hamas and Islamic Jihad in an attempt to get them to end terrorist attacks.