Special to WorldTribune.com

GAZA CITY — The Hamas regime has launched an effort to bolster civil
defense amid the increasing prospect of war with Israel.

Officials said the Hamas Interior Ministry conducted an exercise
throughout the Gaza Strip on Jan. 4 that tested civil defense capabilities.
They said the scenarios included Israeli air and ground strikes on the
Hamas-controlled strip.

“The exercise aims to increase Palestinian public awareness to the dangers of natural disasters, such as fires and floods, or fires that result from Israel’s aggression and bombing,” Hamas Interior Minister Fathi Hamad said.

Hamad oversaw the exercise, dubbed “Safety-102” and which focused on the simulation of major fires in downtown Gaza City.

Officials said fire and police teams were tested for rapid response and interoperability.

Officials said the exercise was deemed a success. They said locations for the exercise were selected in an effort to involve thousands of people.

The exercise took place amid reported Israeli military preparations for a major attack on the Gaza Strip.

Over the last two months, senior Israeli
commanders said the Jewish state, amid Palestinian missile and rocket
attacks, would have no choice but to conduct a major campaign against the
Hamas regime.

  Fathi Hamad, Gaza City, Hamas Interior Ministry, Hamas uses Gaza exercise to test civil defense capabilities, Palestinians, Safety-102