A Hamas military commander died Tuesday in a shootout with Fatah gunmen shortly before the leaders of the two sides met to bridge their differences over a power-sharing deal.
At least seven people were injured in the gun battle in Gaza City, the AP reported. A spokesman for Hamas' military wing, Abu Obeidah, blamed the killing of Allah Haddad, 35, on the Preventive Security force loyal to President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah.
The security force confirmed that one of its people was wounded in a shooting incident, but said the matter was a family feud. The battle erupted after members of a Gaza family tried to recover a stolen car, and its passengers - members of Hamas militia - opened fire, the force said.
Shortly after the shooting, Abbas and Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas met in Gaza City to try to arrive at a consensus candidate for interior minister.
The meeting ended without agreement on a candidate, but the two sides agreed to continue the talks.
