Bloody clashes between Palestinian factions, which erupted in the Gaza Strip from Thursday afternoon, had left 13 Palestinians dead and about 180 others injured, medics and security sources reported Friday.

Palestinian security sources said the toughest armed clashes and gun battles took place at the Islamic University of Gaza and the building of Hamas-led Interior Ministry in western Gaza City.

Medics at Shiffa Hospital in the city said that 13 Palestinians were killed and about 180 wounded, since Thursday afternoon's attack on a convoy of cars, trucks and armored vehicles belonging to President Mahmoud Abbas' security forces.

On Thursday, while leaders from rival Fatah and Hamas movements were meeting at the Diplomatic Mission of Egypt, militants from Hamas' Auxiliary Forces attacked Abbas security forces convoy. Four people, including one child were killed in the attack, where several caravans full of aids and supplies to Abbas security forces were confiscated and destroyed.

Hamas movement claimed that Abbas security forces were smuggling huge amounts of weapons and ammunition, a charge bluntly denied by Abbas office and his Fatah movement.

After the attack, more heavy clashes erupted between Hamas militants and members of Hamas' Auxiliary Forces on one hand, and Abbas' security forces on the other.

Abbas security forces launched attacks on the Islamic University and the Interior Ministry in Gaza City, while Hamas militants confronted them and attacked other security buildings, posts and installations.

Clashes had not stopped between the two fighting parties, while Egypt and several Palestinian factions and political powers are exerting efforts to end the escalating fighting between the two sides.
 
(Xinhua News Agency February 3, 2007)