15 killed in clashes in Gaza Strip


dpa German Press Agency
Published: Saturday January 27, 2007

Gaza City- The rival Palestinian groups Hamas and
Fatah have suspended coalition talks after at least 15 people were
killed Saturday in clashes in the Gaza Strip.
One man was shot dead near the Islamic university in Gaza, police
sources said.

Clashes continued to rage Saturday in the north of the Gaza Strip
in Jabalya and Beit Lahia. Both groups have been abducting supporters
of the opposing group since Friday.

A renewed ceasefire between the two factions had been agreed to
Friday night but had not yet gone into effect, according to Israeli
media.

The victims of shootouts in Gaza Friday included a three-year-old
boy who was caught in the cross-fire at the Khan Younis refugee camp
in the southern Gaza Strip.

Some of the clashes occurred during a march by the radical Islamic
Hamas movement after Friday prayers. Both groups kidnapped members
from the opposing camp.

Both sides have been embroiled in a bloody power struggle since
Hamas won parliamentary elections and formed a government in March of
last year.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah wants fresh elections
if there is no agreement on a government of national unity.

© 2006 - dpa German Press Agency