Fatah fighters stormed a Hamas-affiliated university yesterday — for the second time — hours before the two political factions grappling for control of the Palestinian government said they had agreed on a new ceasefire.

Fatah and Hamas gunmen battled each other at universities, a radio station and in streets across the Gaza Strip today with 17 people – including four children - dying before the factions’ leaders announced a cease-fire agreement.

A truce between warring Palestinian factions entered its third day today, marred by sporadic shootings.

Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas’ exiled chief failed to resolve an increasingly bitter dispute and form a unity government, dashing hopes for a quick end to the political crisis.