Last update - 00:00 18/10/2006
Hamas gunman killed in Nablus, Fatah suspected of involvement
By Reuters
Masked Palestinian gunmen killed a Hamas militant in Nablus on Wednesday, Hamas said, in the latest in a string of killings that have triggered fears of civil war.
A power struggle between the Hamas government and Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah faction has sparked fighting this month between gunmen from both sides in which 19 people have been killed.
Hamas said in a statement Amar Taher, 42, was "martyred" in his home town of Nablus.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the shooting, but Fatah has denied involvement.
Within hours, hundreds of Hamas supporters flocked to the morgue where Taher's body was being held, chanting slogans against Fatah.
"Dahlan, you traitor," they shouted, referring to Mohammed Dahlan, a Fatah strongman and former Palestinian official.
Western donor nations suspended funding to the Palestinian Authority, demanding Hamas recognize Israel and renounce violence. Hamas has rejected the demands.