Palestinian security sources said on Thursday night that a "state of alert" was announced among Palestinian forces in Gaza Strip, following attempts by Hamas activists to attack Israeli settlements.
Earlier, Palestinian medical sources said that seven people were wounded with gunshots north of Gaza City after clashes betwwen Hamas men and Palestinian security agents. Witnesses said that five Hamas activists and two pedestrians were wounded during the fire exchange with Palestinian security forces north of Gaza. They said that the fire exchange erupted in Sheikh Zayed Town, north of the Gaza Strip when Palestinian security agents tried to prevent Hamas activists to shoot hand-made "Qassam" rockets into Jewish settlements in the area.
Later, Hamas activists set fire to three vehicles belonging to Palestinian Security, RNA reported.
In the meantime, Palestinian Minister of Interior and national Security, Nasr Yousef stated on Thursday that the Palestinian Authority will impose order "even by force".
In exclusive interview with RNA, Yousef said that there are "clear orders from the Palestinian leadership to impose security and law even by force."
The growing tension was reported as Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, arrived in the Gaza Strip to discuss the security situation. Abbas' office sources said that he will stay in Gaza for a week to discuss the security chaos and to meet the heads of various Palestinian factions.
