Gunbattle sparked in Gaza hours after a truce between Hamas and Fatah

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-19-2006 13:25

Gunmen from Hamas and Fatah have taken part in a gunbattle in the middle of Gaza City.

The Monday morning clash left a teenager wounded, just hours after a truce to end the violence between the factions was declared. That same day, the Hamas government reiterated that it refused the call for early elections by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

The truce is fragile in Gaza. Fighting between Hamas militants and forces loyal to Abbas came, despite a truce agreement between the two sides, declared earlier that morning.

Clashes between the two Palestinian factions escalated, after Abbas called for new elections in the Palestinian territories.

President Abbas promised to continue with his election plans, after he gained support from visiting British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Mahmoud Abbas said, "We hope that everyone will commit to the truce, so we can move on to future steps."

Palestinian basic law has no explicit provision for early elections. Though it is not prohibited either. Fatah says Abbas can call them through presidential decree. But Hamas government officials say an early election would be illegal.

"Our position is very clear. We refuse the call for early legislative elections. This is unconstitutional and creates a strategic regression to our political balance. It will take the Palestinian Area 10 years back." Said Ismail Haneya, Palestinian Prime Minister.

Hamas and Fatah had tried for months to form a unity government to end a bitter power struggle.

Previous deals to end internal fighting this year have all collapsed.

Editor:Ji Xuewen