Clashes in Gaza, again
Despite Egyptian mediation efforts, Fatah gunmen clash with Hamas members in Strip
Fatan gunmen attempted to force their way into the building, a move that led to exchanges of fire between them and Hamas members. Several Palestinians were hurt in the clashes.
Palestinian Health Minister Basam Nayim managed to leave the building surrounded by ten Hamas activists. A short while later, Hamas gunmen took over the building again, with the assistance of the Palestinian security forces.
Earlier, Fatah gunmen made their way into the city hall building in Nablus, controlled by the Hamas, and removed officials from the building to protest comments by Hamas Politburo Chief Khaled Mashaal against top PA officials.
Meanwhile, Fatah protests continue at other locations across the West Bank and Gaza.
Palestinian officials hope the renewed clashed remain limited and do not lead to an all-out confrontation. However, officials are concerned that understandings reached between the two sides to lower tensions may collapse.
The meeting was held with Egyptian mediation, after more than 30 people were wounded in clashes between Hamas and Fatah activists in Gaza Saturday. The confrontations erupted after Fatah members held a demonstration to protest statements by Mashaal, who accused senior officials in Fatah and the PA of cooperating with Israel and robbing the Palestinian people's money.
Gunmen at Health Ministry (Photo: AFP)
Following long hours of clashes, tensions eventually eased thanks to Egyptian mediation. The Egyptian mission, which at first held separate talks with Hamas members, including Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, and Fatah representatives, succeeded in bringing the two parties together for a meeting late at night.
Basic agreement reached
During the meeting, Hamas representatives asked Mahmoud Abbas to avoid what they termed "harming government prerogatives" in a clear reference to his decision to annul the appointment of Jamal Abu Samhadana to Interior Ministry Director-General and his refusal to accept a new security apparatus set up by Interior Minister Said Siam.
Hamas officials expressed their regret over the misunderstanding caused by comments made by their politburo chief Khaled Mashaal, saying that "Palestinian dialogue needs to be managed without accusations of betrayal and collaboration."
Fatah, Hamas members clash in Gaza (Photo: AP)
The parties agreed to set up a joint team to deal with crises and advance dialogue between all Palestinian factions. It was also decided to hold a meeting between Abbas and Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh.
Meanwhile, Abbas aides denied Palestinian reports of a meeting between Khaled Mashaal and Abbas in Turkey.
Abbas aides said no such meeting is on the agenda, adding that Abbas is eager to keep in place a presidential decree revoking a series of appointments by the interior minister.
Abbas asked security officials to cancel a march in Ramallah in protest at Mashaal's comments in order to curb tension between the two rival parties.
Aides warned that should the government insist on the appointments, Abbas would use his prerogatives to make a series of appointments and replacements in the security establishment.
