Seven Hamas members were wounded and a Hamas gunman was killed in the Gaza Strip Sunday -- the first death as a result of factional violence since Hamas and Fatah agreed to form a unity government a month ago, The Jerusalem Post reported.
Numerous mortar bombs and rocket-propelled grenades exploded throughout Beit Hanoun, the Palestinian town just several kilometers from Sderot, following a gun battle between the two factions.
It was not clear whether Fatah or Hamas was responsible for the outbreak of violence, as both sides blamed each other. Israel Radio reported that Hamas claimed Fatah gunmen had opened fire on the car of a Hamas field commanded. A Fatah spokesman claimed that Hamas gunmen attacked Al Aksa Martyrs' Brigades members.
According to Beit Hanoun residents, at least one Hamas gunman was wounded in the incident, as well as two Fatah members.
Fighting spread throughout Beit Hanoun and Fatah security forces declared a high alert in northern Gaza, ordering their members to set up checkpoints to stop Hamas vehicles.
The latest violence erupted soon after Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh announced that the unity government would be declared within the next few days.
The coalition agreement reached in the Saudi city of Mecca on Feb. 8 had temporarily stopped weeks of deadly Palestinian infighting in which more than 90 Palestinians were killed in Gaza.
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