The Palestinian interior minister stepped down Monday after seven people died in an outbreak of factional fighting that has threatened the survival of the new Palestinian government.
The departure of Interior Minister Hani Kawasmeh was a major setback for the government, which was formed in March by Fatah and Hamas to end months of factional violence.
The two sides had picked Kawasmeh as a compromise candidate for the sensitive interior ministry post, and his resignation highlighted the deep rifts that remain on security issues. It should be mentioned that Kawasmeh threatened to quit two weeks ago to protest the violence and lawlessness plaguing Gaza Strip. After earlier rejecting the resignation, Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas accepted it on Monday.
"Ismael Haniyeh has accepted the resignation of the minister of the interior and this issue will be discussed today in the Cabinet meeting," government spokesman Mustafa Barghouti said, according to the AP. Officials said Haniyeh would take control of the Interior Ministry until a replacement for Kawasmeh is found.
At Monday midday, Hamas gunmen exchanged fire with security men at the headquarters of the pro-Fatah National Security force in Gaza City. Masked National Security men had taken up positions around the building shortly before the gunfire erupted.
Kawasmeh recently proposed a security plan to restore law and order in Gaza Strip. But the plan never got off the ground.
