Palestinian internecine violence continues

Palestinian inter-factional violence has not abated following the "unity" agreement. Almost every day brings news of new clashes and kidnappings...

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One killed, 8 injured in armed inter-factional clashes in northern Gaza
Date: 21 / 03 / 2007  Time:  18:05   

 

http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=20535

 

Gaza - Ma'an - One Gazan was killed and 8 others were injured in armed inter-factional clashes in Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip on Wednesday.

 

Dr. Muawiya Hassanein, the head of emergencies in the Palestinian ministry of health, reported that Rami Srour, 23, was killed and 8 others were injured in the clashes, which were believed to be between armed men affiliated to Fatah and Hamas. Srour was transferred to hospital after he sustained mortal wounds to which he succumbed later. The three injured were reported to be suffering from moderate to light injuries.

 

Fatah's delegate for national relations, Abdul-Hakim Awad, said that the home of a leader in the Fatah-affiliated Al-Aqsa Brigades, Samih Al-Madhoun, was subjected to heavy fire followed by two mortar shells on Wednesday. Clashes erupted after the incident.

 

Awad also said that some cars belonging to Fatah members were seized in the northern Gaza Strip by gunmen.

 

He also denounced the assault against a military post belonging to the presidential guards - 'Force 17' - in addition to other actions against Fatah members, which he depicted as "irresponsible". He called on the lawbreakers to halt their atrocities so as to preserve the Mecca agreement, which protects the Palestinian blood.

 

On the other hand, the spokesperson of the Hamas-affiliated Al-Qassam Brigades, Abu Obeideh, denied that his brigades launched any shells.

 

He affirmed that gunmen on the roof of Al-Madhoun's home shot at a neighboring house which belongs to a member of the Al-Qassam Brigades, which led to the eruption of the clash. He also explained that the deceased, Rami Srour, who was an escort of Al-Madhoun, was killed when a rocket-propelled grenade exploded in his hands as he was trying to launch it.

 

The governorate of the northern Gaza Strip has witnessed several clashes since the Mecca accord was signed between the rival Hamas and Fatah factions, agreeing to form a national unity government, and a state of tension still prevails there.