Gaza security dispute triggers internal clashes

GAZA, Apr 22 (Reuters) Palestinians clashed in the worst internal fighting in months today as members of the Hamas-led government and President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah group worked to solve a dispute over control of Gaza security.

The violence came after exiled Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal yesterday said Abbas's veto of Hamas's appointment of a top militant loyal to the Islamic group to a new Gaza security force assisted a Western campaign to isolate the government.

Meshaal told supporters in Damascus yesterday that Hamas did not accept Abbas's decision, saying: ''Those who think that making this government fail will open the roads for them to come to power on an American-Israeli red carpet are mistaken.'' A top Fatah body later accused Meshaal of trying to sow civil war.

Students and militants loyal to Hamas or to Fatah exchanged gunfire in Gaza, wounding 20 people. Chanting ''Meshaal is a traitor,'' thousands of Fatah loyalists marched in Gaza, some firing rifles in the air. Many also protested in the West Bank.

Palestinians demonstrated near the headquarters of the Palestinian Legislative Council in Gaza, throwing pipe bombs as they marched, causing a boy to be wounded by shrapnel. They also rallied outside Abbas's residence and office in the territory.

Hamas's appointment of Jamal Abu Samhadana, head of the Popular Resistance Committees which has carried out dozens of anti-Israeli rocket attacks, was widely seen as an attempt by Hamas to strengthen its grip on the Interior Ministry.

Hamas beat Fatah in a January vote to head the Palestinian government. But Abbas, who is touring Europe and the Middle East, still holds executive powers in the Palestinian Authority.

Interior Minister Saeed Seyam said the new force would be incorporated into existing forces. A senior Palestinian official said decisions made by anyone other than Abbas were illegal and that the president had asked the government to immediately retract the appointments.

TENSIONS RAISED The dispute has raised tensions among the groups, especially in Gaza, where lawlessness has grown in recent years as a result of rivalries between armed factions and alleged corruption within the security forces, which are largely loyal to Fatah.

Meshaal said today that Hamas respected Abbas's authority and called for Palestinian unity, saying: ''We were united during the (uprising) in confronting the Israeli occupation. Today we have to be united in politics.'' Hamas, which is sworn to destroying Israel, carried out about 60 suicide bombings during Palestinian uprising that began in 2000, but has largely abided by a truce for more than a year.

Palestinian cabinet spokesman Ghazi Hamad said the government ''expressed its deep regrets for the tension and use of violence and it rejects all forms of incitement.'' He said Hamas and Fatah officials would continue talks, which would be mediated by Egyptian authorities, to try to end the security dispute.

If Abbas approves the new force, it would mark the first time Hamas would be part of a Palestinian security service.

Hamas's appointment of Abu Samhadana also prompted anger from Israel and Washington, which have cut direct aid to the Palestinian Authority unless Hamas renounces violence and recognises Israel and past peace deals.

The Hamas-led government inherited 1.3 billion dollar in debt and is in a deeper financial crisis as a result of the funding cuts.

It has been unable to pay salaries to its 165,000 employees.

Qatar and Iran have collectively promised up to 100 million dollar in aid, while Syria has also pledged support.

Hamas speculated the salaries would be able to be paid within days. But Abbas adviser Nabil Amr said Washington and other world powers had told Palestinian banks not to deal with any incoming funds.

REUTERS OM RAI0116