["New Round of Factional Violence Leaves 4 Dead and 10 Injured" - Ma'an Headline]

Gaza, 14 May (Ma'an) - Two members of the Fatah movement and two journalists were killed and more than 10 injured in a renewal of clashes between Fatah and Hamas in the Gaza Strip on Monday [14 May].

The new round of fighting has occurred despite the agreement reached between the two movements on Sunday night under the auspices of an Egyptian security delegation.

Security and medical sources reported that one of the deceased, Ala' Shber, worked as a companion to spokesman of the Fatah movement in Gaza, Mahir Miqdad. The other Fatah member killed was Mohammad al-'Abasi. Miqdad told Ma'an that his companion was killed and other 10 injured in an attack by Hamas fighters near his house in Gaza City.

Eyewitnesses reported that the clashes took place in the area of the general intelligence building and Al-Maqosi area, north-west of Gaza City.

"Armed and Deployed on the Streets"

Hamas has blamed Fatah for the renewal of violence. Spokesperson of the Hamas movement, Fawzi Barhum, said Hamas is implementing the agreement signed last night with the Fatah movement. He said "armed Fatah members and the security services are still deployed in the streets." Barhoum also accused Fatah of aggravating the incidents.

Two Journalists Murdered

Two journalists were killed in a shooting attack on Sunday night, during clashes between Fatah and Hamas in Gaza.

Barhoum expressed his sadness "for the death of another employee at Falastine [Palestine] newspaper Mohammad 'Abdo, who was shot at by member of the president's guards. He was with the journalist, Sleiman Al-Ashi, who was killed instantly, 'Abdo was critically injured in the shooting and died on Monday morning when he succumbed to his wounds."

Barhoum gave his condolences to the Falastine newspaper and the families of Al-Ashi and Abdo, calling on President Abbas "to give instructions to arrest the murderers and transfer them to a court of justice." Barhoum called on Hamas to commit to the new agreement and implement it immediately.

New Falastine Newspaper on Strike

Falastine newspaper called all journalists and media institutions to participate in the funeral of the journalist Salman Al-'Ashi. Following the funeral the organization urged everyone employed in the media to strike outside the Palestinian Legislative Council buildings in Gaza City to condemn the assassinations.

The newspaper appealed to President Abbas, Prime Minister Haniyeh and the minister of the interior to "investigate in the accident attack.

Falastine newspaper was established less than ten days ago and is considered to be loyal to Hamas.

Source: Ma'an News Agency website, Bethlehem, in English 1053 gmt 14 May 07

BBC Mon ME1 MEPol MD1 Media sg

top