Bloody clashes between Palestinian factions, which erupted in
the Gaza Strip from Thursday afternoon, had left 13 Palestinians
dead and about 180 others injured, medics and security sources
reported Friday.
Palestinian security sources said the toughest armed clashes and
gun battles took place at the Islamic University of Gaza and the
building of Hamas-led Interior Ministry in western Gaza City.
Medics at Shiffa Hospital in the city said that 13 Palestinians
were killed and about 180 wounded, since Thursday afternoon's
attack on a convoy of cars, trucks and armored vehicles belonging
to President Mahmoud Abbas' security forces.
On Thursday, while leaders from rival Fatah and Hamas movements
were meeting at the Diplomatic Mission of Egypt, militants from
Hamas' Auxiliary Forces attacked Abbas security forces convoy. Four
people, including one child were killed in the attack, where
several caravans full of aids and supplies to Abbas security forces
were confiscated and destroyed.
Hamas movement claimed that Abbas security forces were smuggling
huge amounts of weapons and ammunition, a charge bluntly denied by
Abbas office and his Fatah movement.
After the attack, more heavy clashes erupted between Hamas
militants and members of Hamas' Auxiliary Forces on one hand, and
Abbas' security forces on the other.
Abbas security forces launched attacks on the Islamic University
and the Interior Ministry in Gaza City, while Hamas militants
confronted them and attacked other security buildings, posts and
installations.
Clashes had not stopped between the two fighting parties, while
Egypt and several Palestinian factions and political powers are
exerting efforts to end the escalating fighting between the two
sides.
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(Xinhua News Agency February 3, 2007)
