Fighting intensifies between rival Palestinian factions

Gunmen attacked the convoy of the Palestinian foreign minister and raided a training base for an elite unit of the security forces today, stepping up factional violence over a decision by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to end nine months of Hamas rule and call early elections.

A 19-year-old woman and a Palestinian security officer were killed in the chaos, while at least 13 people were wounded in gun battles raging across Gaza City. In one symbolic attack, Abbas’ empty residence came under fire. Militants also fired two mortar shells at Abbas’ nearby offices.