OPT: Two killed in heavy clashes between Palestinian Authority, Hamas

Gaza (dpa) - Two Palestinian youths were killed and at least 16 people injured in heavy clashes between Palestinian security forces and Hamas militants in Gaza City Friday morning, residents said.

Hamas militants opened fire on forces as they patrolled the southern Zeytoun neighbourhood, a stronghold of the radical Islamic organization.

Hamas militants fired a rocket-propelled grenade at a Palestinian Authority (PA) armoured vehicle, setting it on fire and injuring three policemen. A second PA vehicle was also set on fire while a third was stolen.

Residents said Hamas was furious at the PA for sending armoured vehicles into Zeytoun and at Interior Minister Nasser Yousef for vowing to stop rocket and mortar fire on Israeli towns and settlements in and around the Gaza Strip even if that meant using force. dpa mak ok wjh