Palestinian PM calls on rival forces to stop violence

GAZA, Oct 1 (Reuters) Palestinian Prime Minister and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh urged rival forces in Gaza today to stop internal violence after clashes in Gaza killed seven people over unpaid wages and stalled unity government talks.

''I appeal to all citizens to be responsible and to abandon their differences, especially in the time we are facing an escalation by the occupation forces, who threaten to enlarge their scale of aggression,'' Haniyeh told reporters in Gaza.

Haniyeh was referring to earlier comments made by Israeli Military Chief Lieutenant-General Dan Halutz, who said the Jewish state could step up military action in the Gaza Strip to halt rocket fire against Israel.

Reuters SY DB2219