Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas vowed today to prevent civil war breaking out among Palestinians as tensions rise between his Fatah faction and the Hamas-led government.
The tensions flared into a shootout at the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza on Sunday when gunmen from Fatah's al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade clashed with Hamas guards. At least four people were injured.
"We wish such events did not occur, but we will absolutely not allow civil war," Mr Abbas told Turkish reporters during a visit to Ankara.
"Some people may want Palestine to be destroyed, but they will not succeed. We will not permit such destructive clashes. We have red lines and we will not let any civil war occur," he said. Mr Abbas did not say how he would prevent further clashes.
Mr Abbas, who backs peace talks with Israel, has infuriated Hamas by vetoing a new Gaza security force that the Islamic militant group wanted to set up. Hamas says the veto helps a Western campaign to isolate the new Palestinian government.
Western countries regard Hamas - which refuses to recognise Israel - as a terrorist organisation and have suspended direct financial aid. Israel has cut off monthly tax transfers, further exacerbating the Palestinians' financial crisis.
Mr Abbas appealed to the international community not to punish his people because of Hamas's stance on Israel and peacemaking.