One of the dead that resulted in the fierce clash of rival Palestinian factions included a thirteen year old boy. According to medics, the boy was caught in the fierce crossfire between factions. There has been fierce fighting between the groups in both Rafah and Gazy City. Since Thursday, seven people have been killed from the fighting.
The heavy fighting and violence erupted the week before. It was due to the attempted arrest of members of the Heles Clan by the Hamas Executive Force. The Heles Clan happens to be allied with the Fatah Movement of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
It is said that Hamas as been trying to exert it’s will upon all small groups in Gaza while suppressing opposition from Fatah supporters both politically and militarily. However, it resulted in the growing tension and animosity towards Hamas.
The bloody fighting that occurred on Saturday was triggered when Hamas security officers riding in a vehicle driving through Shijaiyah were fired upon by Heles clan members. That testimony had come from Hamas officials according to the report. Witnesses say otherwise stating that Hamas snipers took over rooftops and adding that the Heles clan blocked roads into the district.
Witnesses also add that both sides fired both mortars and rocket-propelled grenades at each other. Mohammed Susi, the thirteen year old boy was shot in the head during the crossfire. A premature grenade explosion killed off a Heles clan member.
Mahmoud Zahhar the senior leader of Hamas explained that the group was setting an example and imposing order in the neighborhood. He further adds that every family should respond to the new administration as it is the “will” of the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza. Zahhar states that it is the will of the Palestinians to be governed by Hamas.
During the clash in Rafah, a fifty-one year old woman died after being caught in the crossfire between two groups. Hamas also added that two fishermen were killed when their boat was hit by a missile from an Israeli warplane. According to the Israeli military, they were firing at a boat that carried two suspected Islamic Jihad miltants.
Zahhar states: “We are going to make an end for this chaos.”
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