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Uncertainty over truce

Atul Aneja

Fatah, Hamas to withdraw fighters

DUBAI: Leaders of the Palestinian factions, Fatah and Hamas, have announced yet another ceasefire amid fears that the truce might not hold because tensions at the ground level are still running high.

A Palestinian government spokesman said the ceasefire had been hammered out on Saturday in the Egyptian embassy in Gaza. According to the terms of the agreement, both sides are to withdraw their fighters from the streets and exchange hostages later in the day.

However, soon after the agreement was reached, a convoy carrying senior Fatah intelligence official, Mohammad al-Masri, was attacked in Gaza. Fighting between the two factions over the last week has involved killings, hostage taking and a bitter war of words over television. An estimated 50 persons have died since fighting broke out on Sunday.

Around 17 persons were killed on Wednesday alone, marking the worst single day of violence since the two decided to form a national unity government two months ago.

Secret contacts

Hamas television has accused three Fatah security chiefs of having secret contacts with foreign security personnel. "They are deep into treason, and we will deal with them accordingly," said the broadcast.

Amid deepening intra-Palestinian tensions, Israeli Defence Minister Amir Peretz has said in an interview he would want the moderates led by Fatah to emerge stronger after the clashes. While declaring that he did not wish to get involved in internal Palestinian affairs, Mr. Peretz told Israel Radio that "we certainly would like the moderate forces to emerge with the upper hand."

Israeli air force has continued to mount air raids in Gaza following Hamas rocket attacks on the Israeli border town on Sderot.

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