UPDATE - Hamas condemns attempt on Fatah leader's life

UPDATE WITH ARREST OF SUSPECTS

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".

The Hamas-run Interior Ministry, for its part, said two suspects were arrested in connection with the attack.

In a statement, the ministry said the car used in the attack was also seized, adding that security forces were hunting two other suspects in the incident.

The ministry went on to vow to take all necessary measures to maintain security in the strip.

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.

* Writing by Ali Abo Rezeg