Four killed as Gaza violence resumes

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - Gunbattles raged in the streets of Gaza City on Tuesday between the Hamas and Fatah movements, killing at least four people in factional fighting that shredded a shaky truce. At least 18 people were wounded, including five children caught in the crossfire.

Automatic gunfire echoed across the city, and a Fatah security installation was attacked with mortar fire. Masked Hamas gunmen set up makeshift checkpoints on main roads, forces from the two sides took up strategic positions, and terrified residents shut themselves indoors.

The fighting marked the latest unrest in a week of factional violence that showed no signs of slowing despite a cease-fire declared by both sides Sunday.

"It's a real war. Since the morning, I've been praying to God that this is going to end," said Suleiman Tuman, a 53-year-old shopkeeper trapped in his grocery store by the battles.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061219/ap_on_re_mi_ea/palestinians_politics