JERUSALEM - Palestinian police began deploying in southern Gaza on Thursday, Israeli security officials said. The deployment was set for Thursday morning but was delayed for technical reasons.

The security officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the deployment began in the afternoon hours. They did not say where the forces were posted.

In southern Gaza, there were no immediate signs of such a deployment.

The mission of the police is to stop clashes between Palestinian militants and Israeli forces, as well as rocket and mortar attacks on Jewish settlements.

The deployment is part of a larger trend toward easing tensions and possible peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, under the new regime of Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.

On Friday, Palestinian police moved into northern Gaza to stop militants from attacking Israelis or firing rockets. Since then, there have been only isolated incidents of violence there. (Copyright 2005 Associated Press. 01/27/05)