Yousef al-Zahar, chief of the Hamas-controlled force, told reporters that his troops would "intensify presence at public places and major streets to maintain law and order."

"After yesterday's withdrawal, we decided to deploy on Saturday in response to the people's demand," said al-Zahar, youngest brother of Foreign Minister and senior Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Zahar.

"We will reinforce presence in places where crime is spreading," he stressed.

Witnesses said members of the Hamas force, in uniform and carrying weapons, were seen redeploying in the Gaza streets on Saturday morning.

On Friday, Prime Minister and senior Hamas leader Ismail Haneya ordered the withdrawal of the 3,000-strong force, saying the decision was meant to "boost national unity and ease tension.

"Tensions started when Interior Minister and senior Hamas member Saeed Siam ordered the deployment of the new security force in the Gaza Strip on May 17, although Abbas vetoed the formation of the force, terming it illegal.

Abbas' Fatah movement, once dominant on the Palestinian political stage, was defeated by Hamas in the January legislative polls.

But most of the security forces are Fatah supporters and Abbas has appointed a close ally to head the security forces and reinforced his elite security forces in the Gaza Strip.

The dispute has led to violent clashes between Hamas and Fatah supporters with about 10 people killed and dozens wounded during the past few weeks.

Palestinian factions including Hamas and Fatah agreed during a Thursday and Friday national dialogue to end internal conflicts and strengthen national unity.