Six injured and schools close; weekend death toll reaches 25 following ceasefire agreement

February 3, 2007

Gaza - Ma'an - Despite the announcement of the truce between Fatah and Hamas announced on Friday evening, last night Gaza City continued to witness clashes between the rivals, leaving a further six Palestinians injured.

Medical sources confirmed to Ma'an that five Palestinians were injured in an exchange of fire near the Saraya building in the city center, and one person was injured near the Islamic University.

The sources said that ambulances have been attempting to transport the wounded people to hospital, amid intensive shooting, since the early hours of Saturday morning.

Many barriers remain in the city streets, blocking the movement of the residents in many areas.

There has been intensive shooting since 1am, and the sounds of shooting and explosions can be heard in many parts of the city, especially near the beach area, the preventive security headquarters in Tal El Hawa and the area around the Saraya building.

The death toll over the last 48 hours has reached 25, with over 240 injured, including 41 in critical condition.

UNRWA announced that their schools will close from Saturday 3rd February, stating that the schools will re-open until calm is restored to the city.