Anniversary celebrations for the Fatah movement turned violent in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis after nightfall Monday. Medics said six Palestinians were killed and some 30 others were wounded as rival factions exchanged fire following Hamas'
ban of all Fatah gatherings.
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Fatah officials said that Hamas security forces has been arresting Fatah operatives throughout the coastal territory since the early morning hours and conducting raids on Fatah offices, confiscating movement paraphernalia to prevent planned rallies from going forward.
One Fatah supporter, a teenager, and two Hamas members were shot dead at a demonstration commemorating Fatah's 43rd anniversary in the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis.
Fatah officials said the teenager was shot by Hamas security forces. Hamas said it was Fatah gunfire that killed him.
Hamas said one of its supporters was shot dead as he exited a mosque and a security officer was killed after his jeep was attacked by Fatah gunmen.
Hamas seized the coastal territory after routing Fatah forces in June, and has since banned public gatherings by Fatah supporters.
Violence erupted on Monday when Fatah supporters defied the Hamas ban and demonstrated throughout the Gaza Strip. Witnesses said gunfire echoed throughout the streets of Gaza, and Hamas declared a full alert among its forces.
News agencies contributed to this report
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