Rival security forces clash in Gaza, 4 wounded

GAZA, Dec 12 (Reuters) Palestinian security forces loyal to President Mahmoud Abbas today traded gunfire with members of a Hamas police contingent in southern Gaza as tensions soared in the coastal strip, witnesses said.

Hospital officials said two members of President Abbas's forces had been wounded, one critically. A spokesman for the Hamas force said two of their members had also been wounded.

Both sides accused the other of starting the gunfight, which came amid accusations over who was behind the killing in Gaza yesterday of three sons of a senior intelligence officer loyal to President Abbas.

REUTERS SHB HS1610