The Palestinian Authority and Hamas have resolved a dispute that led to an exchange of fire between Palestinian security forces and members of the militant group.
The shooting erupted in Gaza City yesterday after the arrest of seven Hamas members suspected of kidnapping a policeman. He was seized after police detained a senior member of the Islamic militant group.
Hospital officials said four people were wounded in the incident in which Hamas supporters also attacked police stations with stones and burned tyres in a Gaza City neighbourhood.
Under a deal to end the dispute, Hamas released the kidnapped policeman and another police officer it had detained on Wednesday, and the Palestinian Authority freed the seven Hamas members it arrested, the security official said.
The Palestinian Authority, the official added, also promised to release the senior Hamas member.
The clashes underscored the difficulties facing Palestinian Authority (PA) officials as they come under international pressure to rein in militants. PA statements and militants have both said they are trying to avoid internal strife.