Hamas condemns attempt on Fatah leader's life

By Mustafa Habbush

GAZA CITY, Palestine (AA) – Palestinian group Hamas on Saturday condemned an attempt on the life of Fatah leader Ahmed Helles in the Gaza Strip a day earlier.

Helles' vehicle came under fire by unidentified gunmen in the central Gaza Strip on Friday evening, according to Fatah group.
The Fatah leader was unhurt in the attack.

"We condemn the incident," Hamas said in a statement and called on the Interior Ministry to "hit with an iron fist on whoever seeks to trigger chaos, mix the cards and cause sedition among our Palestinian people".

Shortly after the attack, an Interior Ministry spokesman said an investigation has been launched into the attack.

Friday's attack has invited condemnations from Fatah, which is led by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and the umbrella Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), with both holding Hamas responsible for the attack.

Fatah and Hamas have been at odds since Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007 from Fatah after street fighting.