Middle East

Israel returns Fatah members to Gaza

Article published on the 2008-08-03 Latest update 2008-08-03 09:09 TU

Israeli soldiers guard blindfolded Palestinian men at a military base
(Photo: Reuters)

Israel has begun returning members of Mahmud Abbas's Fatah movement to the Gaza Strip, a day after allowing about 180 of them to leave the territory at the Palestinian president's request. The Fatah members were fleeing a crackdown by Hamas, the Islamic movement which controls Gaza, that led to hundreds of arrests, several people wounded and nine deaths.

Officials say that Abbas, who had earlier asked Israel to give refuge to his supporters, contacted Defence Minister Ehud Barak to allow them to return to Gaza.

They say that followed "assurances from a foreign party", a reference to Egypt which has brokered indirect talks between the Palestinian factions.

The Fatah supporters had fled via the Nahal Oz crossing after clashes between Hamas-run security forces and the pro-Fatah Helis clan, which Hamas claims was responsible for a bombing last week which killed five of its members and a young girl.

Nine people were killed in the factional fighting and many others wounded.

Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri said on Sunday that dozens of Fatah members have been sent back and that security forces are investigating them over the bombing.

Fatah denies any involvement with the bomb. Dozens of Hamas members have been arrested in the West Bank during the week in apparent retaliation for the Gaza clampdown.

Israel partially lifted its months-old blockade of Gaza to allow the Fatah members to leave.

"Our position on principle is that we work with and aid those among the Palestinians who struggle against radical Islam, who oppose terrorism, and who favour negotiations," Deputy Prime Minister Haim Ramon told army radio.