Hamas forces arrest Fatah militants

GAZA, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- Hamas security forces in Gaza arrested key members of the Fatah militants Friday following last week's deadly explosion in Gaza, Fatah sources said.

Senior members, including some suspected top leaders, of the militant faction of Fatah were arrested, reported KUNA, the Kuwaiti news agency said.

The explosion, condemned by Fatah's more mainstream factions and other organizations, killed five members of the Izzddin al-Qassam Brigade, the military arm of Hamas.

Meanwhile, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, the leader of the Fatah party, Thursday ordered the release of several Hamas activists arrested in the West Bank, KUNA said. In a statement, his office said the move was part of an effort to continue a national dialogue among Palestinians.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International