Hamas, Fatah clash in Gaza

MILITANTS from the Hamas and Fatah movements clashed with assault rifles and shoulder-held missiles Monday, killing three people in the latest sign the rivals could be heading toward a large-scale confrontation.

Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas called for restraint and ordered his security chief to impose order. But tensions remained high as the sides accused each other of instigating the violence.

Friction has been rising since the Islamic militant group Hamas ended Fatah’s four-decade control of Palestinian politics with a victory in January parliamentary elections.