West Bank intelligence boss moved

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Head of intelligence in the West Bank Tawfiq Tirawi has been removed from his post and appointed as an adviser to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.

No reason was given, but officials denied it had anything to do with pressure from Egypt, which is mediating between rival factions Fatah and Hamas.

Mr Tirawi is a powerful opponent of Hamas and had a key role in countering its influence in the West Bank.

He was replaced by his deputy, Gen Dheib Mansour, a statement said.

Reports say Hamas has repeatedly requested that Mr Abbas, who is the leader of Fatah and president of the Palestinian Authority, remove Mr Tirawi.

Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip in June 2007 after routing Fatah forces.