Palestinian president appoints new commanders to national security, civil defense forces

​​​​​​​By Awad Rjoub and Rania Abu Shamala

RAMALLAH, Palestine (AA) - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas appointed Saturday a new commander for the National Security Forces and another for the Civil Defense, according to the Palestinian news agency, Wafa.

Abbas appointed Maj. Gen. Al-Abd Ibrahim Khalil as commander of the National Security Forces, replacing Maj. Gen. Nidal Abu Dukhan, who retired after holding the position since 2011.

The Palestinian National Security Forces is a military-style security agency that includes field formations and battalions. Its primary mission, as defined by Wafa, is to defend the homeland, protect society and maintain security and public order.

Additionally, Abbas promoted Brig. Gen. Akram Thawabta to major general and appointed him as commander of the Civil Defense Forces.

Abbas appointed Raed Abu Al-Homs on Feb. 18 as the head of the Commission for Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs with ministerial rank, replacing Abdul Qader Hamed (Qadura Fares), who was retired.

On Feb. 20, Abbas issued a presidential decree appointing Ayman Qandil as the head of the Civil Affairs Authority with ministerial rank, replacing Hussein Al-Sheikh.