Tensions increase as Fatah gunmen kill party leader

PALESTINIAN gunmen linked to the ruling Fatah movement killed one of their party leaders yesterday, increasing tensions on the eve of parliamentary balloting and raising doubts about a new pledge by armed groups in the West Bank and Gaza to hold their fire during the vote.

Opinion polls have shown Fatah and Hamas in a close race ahead of today's election and both sides have said they might form a coalition government. Candidates were banned from campaigning yesterday for a cooling-off period before the election.

Mushir al-Masri, a Hamas candidate in northern Gaza, said the Islamic group expects to become the largest party in parliament. But it will not try to form a government alone, instead seeking a partnership with Fatah or other parties, he said.