Palestinian media sources said Wednesday that one Palestinian civilian was killed and eleven others wounded during renewed Hamas-Fatah infighting in the northern Gaza Strip city of Beit Lahia.
The sources identified the victim as Ramez Serour and added that the clashes erupted between Hamas and Fatah supporters, in a new wave of internal violence that has emerged since Palestinians announced earlier this week their first-ever unity cabinet.
Witnesses told IMEMC that the clashes erupted when members of Hamas chased companions of Samih Almadhoun, a prominent local Fatah leader. Witnesses said that more members of Hamas and Fatah, have been gathering in the Mashrou’ neighborhood of Beit Lahia, voicing concern over possible escalation on the ground.
On Wednesday two Palestinian security personnel were shot and wounded in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis when an unknown civilian car opened fire at a security outpost belonging to the Palestinian President’s Force 17, linked to Fatah.
The new coalition government, intended to put an end to months of internecine infighting, includes members from both Fatah and Hamas. The two sides came to terms last February during talks in the Saudi Arabian city of Makkah. At least two people have been killed and several others wounded over the past two weeks when members of Fatah and Hamas traded assaults in different parts of the Gaza strip.
