Hamas deploys gunmen in Gaza after border clash

GAZA, Dec 15 (Reuters) The ruling Hamas faction deployed armed militants in key parts of the Gaza Strip today, one day after it accused rival Fatah forces of trying to kill Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas sources said.

The gunmen, carrying automatic rifles and rocket-propelled grenade launchers, were seen taking up positions along main Gaza City streets, according to witnesses.

The show of force followed an assault on Haniyeh's convoy last night upon his return from a fundraising tour of West Asia.

Israel initially prevented Haniyeh from entering Gaza through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, which is manned by security forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah. Haniyeh was eventually allowed to pass after he agreed to leave behind 35 million dollars he was carrying.

There has been a steadily intensifying power struggle between Abbas and Haniyeh as talks to form a unity government stalled.

Islam Shahwan, a spokesman for the Hamas's so-called ''Executive Force'', said the shooting outside Rafah was an assassination attempt. He demanded a full investigation.

REUTERS MQA HS1413