From AFX, “12 wounded in Palestinian clashes as protestors demand unity”
GAZA CITY – At least a dozen people have been wounded in the latest outbreak of armed clashes between followers of the governing Fatah faction and members of the radical Islamist movement Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
As internicine fighting raged in the impoverished Jabaliya refugee camp, just east of Gaza City, hundreds of people took to the streets outside the Palestinian parliament in the West Bank to call for national unity and an end to the security chaos in the occupied territories.
Seven of the casualties were members of Fatah, including several members of the security forces. Two Hamas members were also injured along with three civilians who were caught up in the clashes, which first broke out in the early hours and continued into the early afternoon.
Hamas sources said the violence flared when security forces tried to arrest some of their members wanted in connection with the weekend shooting of a Palestinian security officer.
However, security officials said the first shots were fired by Hamas who then targeted Fatah followers.
Palestinian security services have been involved in a growing number of clashes with Gaza-based militants who openly carry weapons in an illustration of a widespread lawlessness in the territory.
Reacting to the latest violence, Palestinian prime minister Ahmed Qorei said that there could be no justification for the clashes.
‘There can no be excuse or justification for what has happened today. Palestinian blood is sacred and should not be spilled at the hands of fellow Palestinians,’ said Qorei…