The Palestinian Interior Ministry announced Thursday night that it would increase its level of alert to maximum among PA forces, following the attempted kidnapping of a military intelligence officer and the abduction of a second intelligence chief.
Sami Ajur, a military intelligence officer, was shot and injured in his leg in the attempted kidnapping, and was released from hospital after a few hours of treatment. Earlier in Gaza, unidentified armed men abducted Taraq abu-Rajab, an aide to the general intelligence chief of the Palestinian Authority.
Such incidents are the apparent result of an internal Fatah feud, although sources in Gaza believe that in both incidents, the attackers were members of the National Resistance Committee.
Palestinian security sources said that Committee members carried out the attacks to protest the continued arrest of a member of their organization, who was taken into custody by Palestinian police in the course of PA – Hamas clashes last week.
A source from the Palestinian Authority said that the possibility of Hamas involvement in the attacks is also being investigated.
Clashes continue
Meanwhile, clashes have continued within the Palestinian territories, as shots were fired at the home of a senior figure of the National Resistance Committee.
PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas met with Palestinian police top commanders at the end of the day's Ramadan fast. The Palestinian leader expressed support for the policemen in their effort against the security anarchy, and told them not to cease their missions. He also promised that the Authority would continue to provide whatever assistance was needed to the police officers.
At the start of the week, Palestinian police officers attacked the Palestinian legislative building in Gaza while the parliament was in session, shooting into the air in protest at the lack of assistance they were receiving in their struggle against Hamas.
Hamas members did not hesitate to fire mortar shells at Palestinian police stations, and shot to death a senior police officer.
Abu Abir, a spokesman for the National Resistance Committee, attempted to place the blame on Israel for the attempted assassination of a senior member of his group.
Speaking to ynet, Abir said that Israel desired to deepen the rift between Palestinian factions. He also denied that his organization was linked to recent attacks.
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