Middle East:Hamas gunmen attacked a major crossing point in the Gaza Strip yesterday, killing eight men from a rival Fatah security force in another day of factional violence.
At least 16 people were killed in Gaza yesterday and dozens more were injured in the most serious fighting since Hamas and Fatah reached an agreement three months ago.
The crossing that was attacked in Karni is used as a base by the presidential guard, a security force loyal to Fatah. New guard recruits are also trained at Karni in basic soldiering skills, though without weapons, by British and American trainers.
Ahmed al-Kaisi, a spokesman for the presidential guard, said Hamas gunmen attacked the crossing with mortars and rocket-propelled grenades. A Jeep of Fatah gunmen crashed as it drove to help and came under fire from Hamas. "We consider this a serious provocation and a crime committed in cold blood," Mr al-Kaisi said.
Israeli troops on the other side of the boundary fence opened fire on two gunmen, killing one. Palestinian officials said the dead man was a member of the presidential guard. Three Israeli tanks approached the crossing before the Hamas force withdrew.
There were more shootings later in Gaza City and among the dead was another Fatah security official. Masked gunmen appeared on streets and many shops and schools were closed.
Karni crossing was closed and the head of the Palestinian energy authority warned that a shortage of fuel in Gaza, caused by the latest fighting, meant the main power plant might have to shut.
Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president and leader of Fatah, said a government security plan should be implemented immediately to stop the clashes. But the plan, which calls for reforms and a joint command of the many rival security forces, has been discussed for some time but not put into action. On Monday Hani al-Qawasmi, the interior minister, resigned after failing to impose order and implement the plan.
Yesterday Palestinians marked the anniversary of what they call the naqba, or catastrophe, the 1948 war which led to the creation of Israel.
Ismail Haniyeh, the prime minister and a Hamas leader, said Palestinians should work together "to protect our national unity government and make it succeed".
He said little about the internal fighting but talked mainly about the conflict with Israel.
Last night Mr Haniyeh said Hamas and Fatah leaders had agreed to pull their gunmen off the streets at midnight. However, it was unclear whether the ceasefire would hold.