A member of Fatah was killed and at least seven people were injured on Wednesday in the first deadly clash between Fatah and Hamas since a unity government was established. Later, two Palestinians linked to Hamas were kidnapped in Gaza City.
According to Fatah, Hamas security forces fired a rocket-propelled grenade at the northern Gaza home of a senior al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades commander, killing one of the group's members. Seven people, including at least four gunmen and a bystander, were injured, but the al-Aqsa commander was unhurt.
According to Reuters, Fatah spokesman Abdel Hakim Awad said Hamas had planned the attack in advance and warned of "grave consequences" if the Islamic movement mounted any more. Fresh gunfights were heard elsewhere in Gaza as gunmen from both sides took to the streets.
A spokesman for Hamas' armed wing, Abu Ubaida, said Hamas gunmen had only responded to shooting from the al-Aqsa commander's house. He said a Fatah fighter was preparing to fire a rocket-propelled grenade when it went off in his hands, killing him and wounding the others.
Hamas said it suspected Fatah of seizing one of its political leaders, and a lecturer at the Hamas-linked Islamic University, in Gaza City.
