One killed as rival factions clash in Gaza

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

GAZA, June 7 (Reuters) Palestinian gunmen from the dominant Hamas group killed a member of rival Fatah in the Gaza Strip today, Fatah said, in the worst flare-up of factional fighting in almost three weeks.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah said this week internal strife risked spilling over into civil war.

Fatah said today's clash in the southern town of Rafah erupted when gunmen from the Islamist Hamas group confronted one of its local leaders at his home. The man's brother was killed.

Nine other Palestinians were wounded, at least five from Fatah and three supporters of Hamas, hospital officials said.

Hamas confirmed a skirmish had taken place and said its men opened fire after being shot at by Fatah gunmen.

Today's death was the first since an Egyptian-brokered truce took hold in mid-May after a wave of factional fighting that killed some 50 Palestinians.

Israel has allowed Abbas's forces to bring in arms, ammunition and reinforcements from Egypt and other Arab states over the last year.

Israeli defence officials are considering Fatah's latest request for arms. The Bush administration has asked Israel to permit transfers to bolster Abbas's forces as a counterweight to Hamas's dominance in the Gaza Strip.

Some Israeli officials say they fear the weapons will end up in the hands of Hamas and Fatah militants behind attacks on Israel. But Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has generally been supportive of the US-coordinated effort.

US and Israeli security officials say Hamas's Executive Force and armed wing receive money, weapons and training from Iran and other Islamist allies.

Abbas and Olmert had been scheduled to meet today in the West Bank city of Jericho but the summit was called off by the Palestinians.

Palestinian officials said Abbas was seeking firm commitments from Israel that it will release frozen Palestinian funds and take other steps.

Olmert had also signalled he would not accept Abbas's call for a truce with militants in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

Israel stepped up its military operations in Gaza last month in response to a surge in cross-border rocket attacks against Israeli towns. An Israeli army spokesman said at least one rocket was fired into Israel on Thursday but caused no injuries.

REUTERS PJ BD1255

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