By Stan Goodenough
Dec 19, 2006
Palestinian Arabs in the Gaza Strip Tuesday killed five of their own people, wounded at least 18 others, and kidnapped at least one member of an opposing side as violence raged between Fatah and Hamas.
The clashes, which came after more than a week of strife, were described as the most severe internecine fighting in a decade.
Arab officials expressed the fear that the situation was about to spiral out of control.
Tensions have been simmering between Hamas, which holds a majority in the Palestinian Authority, and the Fatah faction of PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas, who Saturday announced his intention to disband the “government” and hold new elections in 2007.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was scheduled to deliver a speech Tuesday evening rejecting Abbas’ plan and threatening to boycott the elections.
Running gun battles were being waged in Gaza Monday night and Tuesday. Children caught in the crossfire were among the wounded.