Israel ready to help Abbas, if asked - Peres

TALLINN, May 16 (Reuters) Israel is ready to help Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as his Fatah faction battles Hamas Islamists in Gaza, Israeli Vice Premier Shimon Peres said today.

At a news conference after a meeting with Estonia's prime minister, Peres said Israel would not intervene directly in hostilities but would respond to specific requests from Abbas.

''We should help Mr Abbas in his fight against the terrorists,'' he said in answer to reporter questions. Asked about possible direct measures, Peres said: ''We can only respond to Mr. Abbas's requests for help. We will not intervene in the war itself but if Mr Abbas will request specific help, we will supply (it).'' Peres was in Estonia for the opening of the Baltic state's first synagogue since World War Two.

At least 16 Palestinians were killed in fighting in Gaza today and Israel went into action with an air strike on a Hamas compound that killed at least four gunmen.

But the Israeli army said it had targeted a building used by Hamas's Executive Force to plan rocket attacks against Israel, and the strike was not linked to internal Palestinian fighting.

Palestinian officials have said the hostilities in Gaza could bring down a two-month-old unity government formed between Hamas and Abbas's Fatah. Some have said the government's collapse could lead to further violence.

Factional fighting since Friday has killed at least 40 Palestinians. While Gaza battles raged, militants have fired rockets at southern Israel, causing injuries but no deaths.

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