More than 40 people die in Hamas and Fatah militants since March

Source: CCTV.com | 12-14-2006 09:17

Tensions escalated further in the Gaza Strip, after unidentified gunmen killed a Hamas-linked Islamic judge and militant commander as he arrived at court early on Wednesday.

Palestinian security officials say four gunmen killed Bassam al-Fara, a 30-year-old judge at the Islamic court. Al-Fara was a Hamas member and belonged to the largest clan in the southern city of Khan Younis.

One Hamas-linked judge killed in Gaza.Full Story >>

Hamas has openly blamed Fatah, who rejects the accusation. The shooting comes two days after the killing of the three young children of a Fatah-allied intelligence officer.

A general strike in Gaza in protest over the killing of the children went into a second day.

A Hamas spokesman condemned Al-Fara's killing.

Ismail Rudwan, Hamas spokesman, said, "We condemn in the strongest way this criminal assassination, we express our anger toward this criminal act which took place against our brother, our leader, our fighter, and we assure you that those with dirty hands will not escape from punishment and those who have done us wrong will pay the price."

The escalation in violence has reduced the chances of a coalition government of Hamas and Fatah, pushing the groups closer towards civil war.

More than 40 people have died in battles between the rival factions since March.

Editor:Du Xiaodan