Fatah, Hamas agree to end Gaza clashes but gunfire still heard

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 12-18-2006 10:00

A top Fatah official is confirming that his party had reached a deal with Hamas. The deal is set to cease hostilities in the Gaza Strip. But gunfire can still be heard near the Palestinian leader's office in Gaza City.

The ruling Hamas government and once-dominant Fatah party offered varying descriptions of the deal's scope. Hamas said it called for a resumption of stalled unity government talks; while Fatah officials said it only called for a halt in armed hostilities.

And it was unclear whether the deal would take hold as gunfire could still be heard in the streets of Gaza City.

Forces loyal to Hamas and Abbas' Fatah party fought street and rooftop gun battles across Gaza all day Sunday. And, a senior paramilitary commander loyal to Abbas was found dead after being abducted.

This specific conflict between Hamas and Fatah began as unity government talks faltered, agreements fell apart, and Abbas called for early elections to end the political impasse. Hamas rejected the call.

Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haneya said, "We confirm that the Palestinian government refuses the invitation to early elections because it is unconstitutional and could cause tension among Palestinians."

Abbas said polls should be held as soon as possible. But he also said efforts to form a unity government should continue, despite repeated failure.

Hamas said the president had no authority to call early elections. And Hamas legislators said they would try to call a parliamentary vote declaring the move illegal.

Related : Call by Abbas for early elections raises high tensions in Palestine

The call by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for early elections has raised tensions and fears of a civil war. Residents of the impoverished coastal Gaza Strip were on alert on Sunday after a night of violent clashes between the ruling Hamas group and forces loyal to President Abbas.

Full Story >>

Editor:Du Xiaodan