This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/6301763.stm

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 5 Version 6
Deadly battles shatter Gaza calm Deadly battles shatter Gaza calm
(about 4 hours later)
At least 13 people have died in some of the deadliest fighting between rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah in Gaza for months. At least 13 people have died in Gaza after some of the worst fighting for months broke out between rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah.
Two civilians - one a two-year-old boy - were among those killed, Palestinian medics said. Two civilians, one a two-year-old boy, were among those killed, according to Palestinian medical sources.
The clashes erupted after weeks of relative calm and renewed efforts to form a national unity government.The clashes erupted after weeks of relative calm and renewed efforts to form a national unity government.
Both Hamas and Fatah said they were suspending talks after the violence, which continued into the night. Hamas and Fatah said they were suspending talks after the violence, which was continuing early on Saturday.
Both factions also kidnapped members of the opposing side during the day. Reports from Gaza City say Hamas and Fatah gunmen have been exchanging mortar fire and grenade attacks outside a security compound.
More than 40 people have died as a result of a power struggle between supporters of the Hamas-led government and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah faction since mid-December.More than 40 people have died as a result of a power struggle between supporters of the Hamas-led government and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah faction since mid-December.
Echo of gunfireEcho of gunfire
The BBC's Alan Johnston in Gaza says there has been intensive mediation by Egyptian diplomats in an effort to stop the bloodshed there.The BBC's Alan Johnston in Gaza says there has been intensive mediation by Egyptian diplomats in an effort to stop the bloodshed there.
He says late in the evening word came that Fatah and Hamas had agreed to order their supporters off the streets. He says late on Friday evening word came that Fatah and Hamas had agreed to order their supporters off the streets.
How can the dialogue go on when there is a bomb underneath the table Tawfiq Abu KhoussaFatah spokesman But our correspondent says both then accused the other of reneging on the deal and clashes continued.How can the dialogue go on when there is a bomb underneath the table Tawfiq Abu KhoussaFatah spokesman But our correspondent says both then accused the other of reneging on the deal and clashes continued.
Some of the heaviest fighting took place in the Jabaliya refugee camp, where Hamas gunmen laid siege to the home of a local Fatah leader.Some of the heaviest fighting took place in the Jabaliya refugee camp, where Hamas gunmen laid siege to the home of a local Fatah leader.
The gunmen eventually stormed the building and two people were killed.The gunmen eventually stormed the building and two people were killed.
Militants linked to Fatah said they had captured at least 19 Hamas supporters in response to the siege. Some were later freed.Militants linked to Fatah said they had captured at least 19 Hamas supporters in response to the siege. Some were later freed.
As night fell the streets of Gaza continued to echo to the sound of gunfire and explosions.As night fell the streets of Gaza continued to echo to the sound of gunfire and explosions.
Elsewhere, fighting erupted outside the residences of Mr Abbas and Hamas Foreign Minister Mahmoud Zahar.Elsewhere, fighting erupted outside the residences of Mr Abbas and Hamas Foreign Minister Mahmoud Zahar.
Mr Zahar's home was damaged after being hit by a rocket-propelled grenade, security sources said.Mr Zahar's home was damaged after being hit by a rocket-propelled grenade, security sources said.
Blame exchangedBlame exchanged
Fatah said it was calling off national unity talks in response to the violence.Fatah said it was calling off national unity talks in response to the violence.
"How can the dialogue go on when there is a bomb underneath the table?" Reuters news agency quoted Fatah spokesman Tawfiq Abu Khoussa as saying."How can the dialogue go on when there is a bomb underneath the table?" Reuters news agency quoted Fatah spokesman Tawfiq Abu Khoussa as saying.
But Hamas laid the blame at Fatah's door.But Hamas laid the blame at Fatah's door.
"The Fatah movement continues to give a factional, political and media cover to the killers. Hamas has therefore decided to suspend all talks with Fatah," spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said."The Fatah movement continues to give a factional, political and media cover to the killers. Hamas has therefore decided to suspend all talks with Fatah," spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said.
The violence began overnight when two Hamas members died in what the group said was a roadside bomb attack on a convoy by Fatah militants. The violence began when two Hamas members died in what the group said was a roadside bomb attack on a convoy by Fatah militants.
The clashes came as Hamas supporters gathered to mark a year since the party defeated Fatah in Palestinian elections.The clashes came as Hamas supporters gathered to mark a year since the party defeated Fatah in Palestinian elections.