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Hamas gunman in Gaza (Archive)
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Gaza: 4 killed in infighting

Clash between Hamas security forces, Gaza clan affiliated with Fatah leaves four people dead. Locals say RPGs, heavy machine guns used in fighting

A clash between Hamas security forces and members of a large Gaza clan affiliated with the rival Fatah party left four people dead on Wednesday, a Hamas official said.

 

Two of the dead were Hamas security officers and two were from the Heles clan. More than 20 people were wounded from both sides, said Ihab al-Ghusain, a spokesman for the Hamas security forces.

 

The violence erupted when clan members opened fire at the security forces, al-Ghusain said. The force later arrested a number of "outlaws" who were on their way to send reinforcements to the clan, he added.

 

A Fatah official said Hamas security forces were trying to confiscate a car that belonged to a clan member. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the incident.

 

Local residents said rocket propelled grenades and heavy machine guns were used in the clashes. Ambulances were heard whizzing throughout Gaza city.

 

Hamas forces closed off the neighborhood of al-Shojaiyah east of Gaza City to arrest wanted members of the clan.

 

Armed clashes often break out along factional and family lines across the chaotic Gaza Strip.

 

Hamas and Fatah are bitter rivals whose enmity deepened after the Islamists violently seized control of Gaza from Fatah security forces in June.

 


פרסום ראשון: 10.18.07, 07:36
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