The Hamas-led Palestinian government has ordered a paramilitary force deployed by the militant group to pull back from Gaza's streets.
The order came from Interior Minister Saeed Seyam, said Youssef al-Zahar, a leader of the 3,000-strong Hamas-led force. It follows deadly clashes between the Hamas unit and security services loyal to the rival Fatah movement of President Mahmoud Abbas.
"We have received orders to withdraw from the streets and to concentrate in certain locations to be ready to rush to the scene when needed to confront chaos," Mr al-Zahar said.
Government officials said the order was partly an attempt to reduce internal tensions.
The move comes a day after Mr Abbas surprised Hamas with an ultimatum to back a proposal for Palestinian statehood that implicitly recognises Israel or face a referendum on the issue.
Clashes between Hamas and Fatah have become more frequent since the government deployed the paramilitary unit last week. A cabinet spokesman has said the new force would not be disbanded despite calls from Mr Abbas to do so.