Fatah says gunmen kill Palestinian activist in Gaza

GAZA, Jan 26 (Reuters) Gunmen killed a militant from the Fatah-linked Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades in Gaza early today, Fatah said, hours after a member of a Hamas-led security force was killed by a roadside bomb.

Six Hamas militants were abducted by Fatah gunmen in the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiya early Friday morning, residents said.

More than 30 Palestinians have been killed in fighting between rival groups Fatah and Hamas since Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah called last month for early presidential and parliamentary elections.

Hospital officials confirmed a member of Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades had been killed by gunfire in the northern Gaza Strip.

Fatah accused the Hamas-led security force of ''executing'' the activist.

A spokesman for the Hamas-led force was not available for comment.

Local residents said members of the Hamas-led force had surrounded the home of the activist and gunfire ensued. They had sought to question him in response to the roadside bomb.

The bomb blast left a second member of the Hamas-led force in a critical condition and wounded seven others, hospital officials said. Three bystanders, including two children, were among those wounded, they added.

No one claimed responsibility for the bomb attack, which also took place in northern Gaza.

Hamas spokesman Abdel-Latif Qanoua said yesterday it would ''chase those killers who carried out this cowardly action''.

Hamas planned to hold a rally in Gaza today to mark the one year anniversary of its victory over the once-dominant Fatah in Palestinian parliamentary elections.

Earlier this week, Palestinian factions including Hamas and Fatah resumed talks on forming a coalition government. Similar talks broke down last year.

Hamas has struggled to govern since taking office in March under the weight of US-led sanctions imposed because of its refusal to recognise Israel, renounce violence and abide by interim peace deals.

Abbas and Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal held inconclusive unity talks in Damascus this week.

REUTERS PDM KP1308