Fatah gunmen fire on Hamas activists in West Bank

A gunmen loyal to Hamas carries a rocket launcher during gunbattles with forces of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' force in Gaza City.

December 22, 2006

Nablus: At least two people were wounded when gunmen loyal to Fatah opened fire on at least 200 Hamas members and supporters preparing for a rally in the West Bank on Friday, hospital officials said.

Violence between the rival factions has erupted since Abbas called for early elections a week ago.

Early on Friday, gunmen clashed with Hamas fighters near the Gaza City home of Foreign Minister Mahmoud Al Zahar. No casualties were reported.

A street battle also ensued between Hamas and Fatah fighters after Hamas militiamen tried to free two kidnapped militants, including a senior Hamas member.

Gunmen perched on rooftops also fired at others in the streets, drawing in presidential guards outside the residence of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

The latest fighting shows a breakdown of the fragile Hamas-Fatah ceasefire following days of fighting that killed 10 people in the strip.

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