Gaza: Exchanges of fire following Abbas' declaration

Level of violence in Gaza rises following Palestinian president's decision to move up elections. Thousands of Hamas, Fatah activists take to streets in shows of force, which turn into exchanges of fire. At least 18 Palestinians injured in Rafah, Khan Younis and Gaza; police officer reportedly kidnapped by Hamas members in Gaza

Ali Waked|Published: 12.16.06 , 19:10

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' declaration that he plans to move up the general elections in the Palestinian Authority caused thousands of Hamas and Fatah gunmen to take to the streets of Gaza in huge shows of force, which turned into exchanges of fire.

At least 18 people were injured in Rafah, two in Khan Younis, and one in Gaza. In addition, Hamas members reportedly kidnapped a police officer in Gaza. Thousands took part in demonstrations across the Strip.

The Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine were trying to mediate between Hamas and Fatah in a bid to end the exchanges of fire.

Dramatic Declaration

Abbas declares elections to be moved up / Ali Waked

President gives speech in Ramallah, says will hold early elections for presidency, government ; decries recent violent acts by Hamas, says Qassams destroyed dream of Gaza progress. Speech boycotted by Hamas members

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Later, Hamas activists kidnapped two Fatah members in the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahiya.

According to the report, the Fatah activists were in a car and were chanting slogans in favor of Abbas through a PA system. The car was attacked by several Hamas activists, who kidnapped its passengers. Talks were being held for their release.

A security source close to Defense Minister Amir Peretz said in light of Abbas' declaration that "this is an important internal decision by the Palestinians which creates a new chance to renounce terror."

The source added that "this may make it possible to return to the negotiation table and create a new reality in the region."

Gunmen take to streets (Photo: AFP)

Abbas decided Saturday to revive the PLO negotiating department, signaling he will pursue peace talks with Israel despite a growing political crisis at home.

Earlier, Abbas said that he calls for moving up both presidential and general elections, in order to get out of the current bottleneck. "The people are the source of our authority," he said. "I will return to the people and let them decide."

Nonetheless, Abbas left a loophole for Hamas: He stated that he would meet with the election committee to decide upon a new date for the elections, but refrained from suggested one, saying that the best solution would still be a technocratic government established by agreement between Hamas and Fatah.

Hamas: We will win again

Senior Hamas officials rejected Abbas' declaration, claiming that Abbas has no legal authority to dismantle the government, and as such, his decision is illegal.

Ahmed Yusuf, one of Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh's associates, said that "what we heard from Abbas is a call for civil war, which we are trying to avoid. These remarks will lead to an internal conflict, which may bring about many losses and bloody attacks, on both sides."

Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud al-Zahar said that Hamas rejected Abbas' decision regarding elections, but said the organization is ready to return to the negotiating table.

Nonetheless, al-Zahar emphasized that a return to negotiations "would not be based on recognizing Israel or the demands of the Quartet."

According to him, "We're not worried about elections, which I'm sure we would win. The question is what this promises once we win again – they won't want to move up elections again."