Gunfire Threatens Fragile Ceasefire in Gaza Strip

Sporadic gunfire has threatened a fragile ceasefire between rival Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip.

Witnesses in Gaza City say shooting could be heard in parts of the city shortly after Hamas and Fatah factions agreed Sunday to observe a truce.

They say Palestinian gunmen continued to roam city streets Monday.

Sunday's ceasefire agreement includes an immediate end to violence and a halt to rallies and demonstrations. Officials from both sides say they will also strive to get all guns off the streets.

Hamas and Fatah have been locked in a power struggle since Hamas won parliamentary elections and took power in the Palestinian territories early this year.

The fighting worsened in Gaza Sunday after Palestinian President and Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas called for early elections - a move Hamas says is not constitutional.

At least three people were killed in the violence.

Mr. Abbas said new elections are necessary after months of failed talks with Hamas, which controls the Parliament and government, but not the presidency.

The United States, the European Union and Israel consider Hamas a terrorist group and have cut off funding to the Hamas government, leaving it in serious financial straits.

By VOA News