Fatah, Hamas forces said to OK renewed ceasefire

GAZA, Dec 19 (Reuters) Palestinian security chiefs loyal to Hamas and Fatah today agreed to withdraw their forces from the streets of Gaza in the latest bid to halt factional fighting, a senior Palestinian official said.

A previous ceasefire deal broke down within 24 hours and it was unclear whether this one, brokered by Egyptian mediators, would take effect.

The new agreement, a copy of which was obtained by Reuters, calls for ''all armed men'' to leave the streets, and for Hamas and Fatah forces to return to their positions before the fighting intensified.

The withdrawal will begin within hours, the official said.

Reuters PKS RN0102