Ramallah, West Bank - Palestinians Boost Security Around Abbas

Ramallah, West Bank - Palestinian officials said they have boosted security around President Mahmoud Abbas' office and home because of rising tensions with Hamas and other Islamic militant groups, traffic has been restricted near his office and snipers have been placed in buildings near his West Bank home, an official in Abbas' office said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

The official said most traffic was barred from approaching Abbas' Ramallah office, with only a small number of senior aides allowed to drive into the area. The official also said snipers from the elite Force 17 presidential guard have taken up posts near Abbas' West Bank residence.