Clashes between PA police, Hamas have gained force Tuesday
Photo: Reuters
Hamas takes part of northern Gaza
Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigade terrorists shot a Fatah member in the head, and al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades members burned down a Hamas religious institution
GAZA STRIP - Hamas forces took control of the Tel-Zaatar area in northern Gaza Tuesday amid heavy fighting between the organization and Palestinian Authority forces loyal to Chairman Mahmoud Abbas in the Gaza Strip.
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Members of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigade, the military wing of Hamas, shot a Fatah member in the head, and al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades members burned down a Hamas religious institution, as al-Aqsa and Fatah members joined the fighting to support Authority forces.
Clashes gained force throughout the morning despite Egyptian attempts to negotiate between the sides.
Spokesmen for the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades warned Hamas not to escalate the situation, and said his organization would join the fight to prevent Hamas from attacking Authority institutions and employees.
The clashes were the latest in a series of battles that have taken place in Gaza since the weekend, in light of Hamas’ launching of Qassam rockets on Israeli towns in the area, including Sderot.
Palestinian Authority forces reported Hamas members fired an RPG shell at an Authority outpost.
A spokesman for the Palestinian Interior Ministry said Hamas was trying to force Israel to re-take the Gaza Strip in order to thwart the disengagement program and justify continued warfare against Israel.
