Guerilla fighters from Hamas and Fatah fought each other in a violent clash using assault rifles and even missiles in the biggest clash between rival Palestinian factions since Hamas took power over the Palestinian Authority six weeks ago. Three militants were killed in the fighting.
Both sides have reportedly been training gunmen for what many feel is an inevitable clash and tensions between the groups have been high. In fact, according to published reports, Hamas recently outbid Fatah in buying a black market shipment of 100,000 bullets.
The battle between Fatah and Hamas for power is just beginning. Fatah had ruled Palestinian society for four decades and had run the Palestinian Authority since its inception. After the death of former PLO leader Yasser Arafat, his successor as PA President was the more moderate Mahmoud Abbas, also of Fatah.
This past January, Hamas won an overwhelming victory in Palestinian legislative elections. So, while Fatah still has Abbas in office as president, Hamas is in control of the legislature and has Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh.
Haniyeh has appealed for calm and an end to the battles between militant groups. 'We are calling on everybody to exercise self-restraint,' Haniyeh told reporters in Gaza City. 'I have contacted the interior minister to take all necessary security measures to spare Palestinian blood. I call on the leaders of Hamas and Fatah to take the fullest responsibility in order to cease these incidents, which have created ill feelings.'
According to a Fatah spokesman, the violence on Monday began when Hamas tried to kidnap a Fatah member in the village of Abassan to settle an old score from this year's elections.
A gun battle followed as did mutual kidnappings. Hamas took three Fatah militants captive while Fatah members kidnapped four Hamas guerillas. The initial gun battle seriously injured a Hamas gunman. Eventually, the two sides reached an agreement and the kidnapped militants were set free.
When the seriously injured man later died of his wounds, chaos again resulted. This time, assault rifles and submachine guns were used in the fighting. Two Fatah militants were killed. According to published reports, they were members of the PA's security forces. Up to 10 guerillas were wounded in the fighting.
Also in Gaza this weekend, demonstrators took to the streets to demand payment from the Hamas-led government. Since Hamas took control of the PA, international aide has been cut off. Hamas has refused to meet the conditions for the restoration of aide: to recognize Israel, renounce terrorism and acknowledge the validity of past agreements signed between the PA and Israel. Instead, Hamas remains dedicated to the destruction of the Jewish state.
It remains to be seen whether or not the fighting between Palestinian factions will be an isolated incident or the beginnings of a serious battle between the two sides in a long, bloody fight for power.
