August 12, Abbas

August 12, Abbas, originally uploaded by anonimoh2005.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (C) smiles after Friday prayers in Gaza Mosque August 12, 2005. Hamas militants said on Friday they would not disarm despite Israel's planned Gaza pullout so they could carry on their fight against the Jewish state. The comments by Hamas leaders sharpened a challenge to Abbas, seeking to rein in militants to assert control over Gaza after Israel vacates its settlements in the occupied territory starting on Wednesday. REUTERS/Mohammed