Israel allowed entry to scores of Palestinians fleeing a Hamas factional crackdown in the Gaza Strip.
Pressing a week-old campaign against their Fatah rivals, Hamas gunmen on Saturday attacked the Gaza City stronghold of the Hilles clan, which is close to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
At least 11 people were killed in the ensuing clash. Surviving Fatah loyalists, still under Hamas fire, rushed to the Israeli border. Israel allowed in as many as 200 of the Palestinians.
Some of the refugees were reported to have made their way to the West Bank city of Ramallah, but several dozen were returned Sunday to Gaza at Abbas’ request. Most were arrested by Hamas.
The latest purge against Fatah began after a bomb planted by unidentified Palestinians killed five Hamas gunmen in Gaza City.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
