Gaza Strip ? Palestinian forces desperately need better weapons and military equipment, but will maintain calm during Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip “even if we have to use clubs,” a Palestinian official said Saturday.

Israel has threatened harsh retaliatory action if Palestinian militants attack settlers or soldiers during the withdrawal, set to begin in mid-August. At the same time, it has been reluctant to allow more weapons to reach the Palestinians, fearing they could be used against Israeli targets.

Palestinian forces are ill-equipped in all major areas – including arms, ammunition, transportation and communications – but they have devised a detailed plan to maintain calm during the pullout, said Interior Ministry spokesman Tawfiq Abu Khoussa.

“We are planning to take control of Gaza after the withdrawal to ensure a smooth and quiet and safe withdrawal, even if we have to use clubs,” he said.