(Video) Gazan civil war?- Three Palestinians were killed in an outbreak of Palestinian infighting in Gaza on Sunday, medics said, adding that 50 people had been wounded. Medics said the dead in the fighting between Hamas members and Palestinian police included a local police commander, a woman and another civilian.
Security forces patrol Gaza streets (video footage: Reuters)
In the wake of the violent fighting in Gaza Sunday, which erupted after Palestinian Authority officers attempted to confiscate weapons from terror groups' gunmen, leaders from both sides have moved to trading accusations over which organization was responsible for the escalation.
According to a statement issued by the PA, the Hamas was responsible for the violence, which culminated in the deaths of three people and left at least 50 wounded.
"The Hamas bears full responsibility for the outcome of these actions, to the blatant violation of the law and the reckless disregard for Palestinian lives," a statement by the PA Interior Ministry read. "We are determined to enforce law and order, and nobody will be above the law."
"The Hamas breached the agreement between the Palestinian factions, as well as the PA's instructions to cease carrying arms," the statement continued.
The Interior Ministry also claimed that the fighting broke out after PA officers attempted to confiscate weapons from gunmen riding a car. "The gunmen started firing at the officers, an incident which caused the outbreak of the violence."
Meanwhile, a Hamas source said, "the Interior Ministry's statements serve the Zionist enemy's goals. The ministry is a part of an entire system in the Authority that wishes to eliminate the Hamas and serve the Palestinians' enemies, even in the cost of an internal dispute."
Hamas spokesman Mushir al-Masari told Arabic news channel al-Jazeera that the incidents' purpose was to tarnish the Hamas' image.
"We will protect the Palestinian blood, we stick by Palestinian unity. From the moment the riots erupted we have been negotiating to calm the situation," al-Masari said. "We will act to prevent a civil war."
Another Hamas spokesman, Sami Abu-Zahari said the Palestinian Authority is responsible for the current escalation in the Strip, and that PA officers provoked Hamas with their attempt to arrest Muhammad Rantisi, the son of Abd al-Aziz Rantisi who was assassinated by the IDF. Abu-Zahari said that the PA officers acted inappropriately.
Gaza violence
Earlier Palestinian sources in Gaza said Hamas terrorists were firing mortar shells at Palestinian Authority police stations in Gaza City neighborhoods.
A number of police stations were completely demolished, while others were set ablaze as a result of the mortar fire.
Armed Hamas activists held parades in Gaza's northern neighborhoods, and fired in the air to express their identification with fellow militants engaged in violent fighting with PA officers.
Hours later, riots and armed exchanges broke out in the Sheikh Raduan neighborhood in Gaza, when Palestinian Authority security forces began confiscating weapons held by non-PA groups. At least four people were injured in the clashes. Battles then erupted across Gaza, including the Nasser neighborhood and the Balati Shati refugee camp. As the PA forces clashed with Hamas members, Hamas used Gaza's mosque speaker system to mobilize its forces.
In one of the first incidents, PA forces fought with Hamas members, including the son of former Hamas terror chief Abdel Aziz Rantisi. Witnesses said a mass riot broke out when Palestinian police began collecting the weapons, and the PA placed a checkpoint in the area.
A car containing Rantisi and other Hamas members was pulled over at the checkpoint for a search. Rantisi refused, and continued driving. Palestinian police fired on the vehicle's tires, and the car's occupants got out and confronted the PA officers, and throwing rocks at them. At the same time, armed al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades members began fighting with Palestinian police.
A member from the Brigades said that Palestinian police arrived at the home of one of the group's members, asking to search the premises. An armed exchange followed, with several shots being fired in the air.
The Palestinian Authority said it intended on following through on its decision to collect weapons in Gaza. On Saturday, an explosive device was thrown at the vehicle of Ala Husseini, Palestinian police commander in Gaza, close to PA police headquarters.
Meanwhile, German Interior Minister Otto Schily said during his visit to Israel that terrorist organizations such as Hamas should not be allowed to participate in Palestinian elections until they commit to ending attacks against Israel.
"My personal view is that in an election process only decent groups can take part," he said.
"If it is true that Hamas takes part in terrorist attacks and actions, it is so far impossible to see that they can take part in democratic elections."
Demonstration turns violent
Also on Sunday, one Palestinian was killed and two others were wounded in Gaza when Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades
terroristsopened fire at protesters who were demonstrating against the increase in gas prices.
Palestinian taxi and truck drivers demonstrated in a number of places in Gaza in protest of the increase in gas prices, but while most of the protests were peaceful, the rally in the Khan Younis area turned violent and ended in the death of one Palestinian.
During the demonstration the protesters blocked nearby roads; armed Palestinians identified with the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, Fatah’s military wing, arrived at the scene and were surprised to see that the roads were blocked by the taxi and truck drivers.
An argument between the sides quickly erupted, and the armed Palestinians proceeded to shoot into the air, before firing at the demonstrators themselves.
Issa Baraka, 35, and two other drivers were hit. According to the protesters, more Fatah members arrived and opened fire as well.
High public transportation prices
Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades apologized for Baraka’s death, stating that the incident stemmed from the fact that its members were hurrying to an important meeting and were delayed as a result of the road-blockings.
The group’s leaders added that they sympathize with the protest against the high gas prices.
Hani, a 29-year-old taxi driver, said that the increase in gas prices forced drivers to raise fares on rides from the Erez crossing to central Gaza; this resulted in confrontations and arguments with passengers, some of whom insisted on paying the old price, he said, adding that others chose to walk.
The taxi and truck drivers were joined by dozens of Gaza residents, who were protesting the increase in public transportation prices. Recently fuel costs have gone up due to the new gas prices.
Palestinian Authority officials said the road-blockings prevented many residents, mainly government workers, from reaching their work places.
The different unions in the PA have promised to continue their protest in the coming days.
Reuters contributed to this report
First published: 19:33, 10.02.5