Hamas, Fatah to work to end tension after clash

Gaza, Apr 23: The Hamas-led Palestinian government and President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah group pledged today to work to diffuse tensions between them after their supporters clashed in the worst internal fighting in months.

The armed confrontations in Gaza yesterday, which wounded 20 people, followed a condemnation on Friday by exiled Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal of Abbas's veto of Hamas's formation of a new Gaza security force, headed by a top pro-Hamas militant.

Speaking in front of officials from both groups, Fatah spokesman Mahar Meqdad said the factions ''have agreed to call on our people to stop all forms of tension and to cement national unity.''

REUTERS