Gaza: New conflict at border terminal

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-15-2006 08:27

Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haneya has crossed back into the Gaza Strip from Egypt after several hours blockade by Israel.

The delay of his arrival on Thursday triggered clashes between Hamas militia and guards at the Rafah border terminal. And demonstrations continued in Gaza city, protesting the murder of three children on Monday.

Hamas militia waiting outside the Rafah border terminal grew impatient for Prime Minister Ismail Haneya's return and broke into the compound, shooting into the air.

Witnesses said the Palestinian Presidential Guard, responsible for security at the terminal, began firing at the Hamas militia, wounding two of them.

The violence came after Israel ordered the Rafah crossing sealed to prevent Haneya from returning with a large sum of money which he was thought to have collected during his overseas shuttle across the region.

A senior Israeli security official said they were not trying to block Haneya's entry, only trying to keep out the money that Palestinians desperately need.

A Hamas spokesman said closing the border was a dangerous step.

Ismail Radwan, the Hamas spokesman said: "In this context, we warn of any step the Zionist enemy might commit, because it will change criteria and cause confusion on the Palestinian ground."

Palestine shocked at killing of 3 sons of a Fatah loyalist official. Full story >>

Meanwhile in Gaza City, hundreds of men, women and children marched through the streets on Thursday to honor the memory of three sons of a Palestinian intelligence official loyal to President Mahmoud Abbas.

Demonstrators called on Abbas to restore security and dismiss the Hamas-led government.

The children aged 3, 6 and 9 were killed when gunmen fired at car as it dropped them at school on Monday.

Fatah has accused Hamas for the attack -- something Hamas denies.