Hamas, Fatah Forces Clash Following Assassination Allegations
15 December 2006
Rival Palestinian gunmen have clashed in Gaza and the West Bank City of Ramallah, a day after an attack against the Palestinian prime minister's entourage.
Hospital officials say more than 30 people have been injured in the fighting between the ruling group Hamas and the rival Fatah faction of President Mahmoud Abbas. The clashes follow accusations from Hamas that gunmen affiliated with Fatah tried to assassinate Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh.
Gunfire killed the prime minister's bodyguard and wounded at least 20 other people Thursday near the border crossing between Egypt and Gaza.
A Hamas spokesman accused a top Fatah official, Mohammed Dahlan, of planning and organizing an attempted assassination of the prime minister.
Fatah denied involvement. President Abbas expressed regret for the incident.
Despite the violence, tens of thousand of Hamas supporters rallied in Gaza City Friday to mark the group's 19th anniversary.
The crowd gave Mr. Haniyeh a rousing welcome.
Thursday's battle erupted after Israel allowed the prime minister to return to the Gaza Strip after he left millions of dollars in aid behind.
Israeli officials said they closed the Rafah border crossing to prevent Mr. Haniyeh from returning with money he raised during a tour of Muslim nations.
Western officials say he was in possession of $35 million. Media reports say he left the money in Egypt.
Fatah and Hamas are locked in a power struggle. Hamas won legislative elections in January. Fatah still controls the presidency.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.
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