Author: Nidal Al-Mughrabi
Publication: The Indian Express
Date: May 20, 2006
Rival Palestinian forces faced off briefly
at Gaza's border crossing with Egypt on Friday after a Hamas official was
caught with 639,000 euros ($804,000) hidden in his clothing, authorities said.
About 100 Hamas gunmen raced to the Rafah
crossing, which is guarded by Abbas's presidential guard, raising fears of
fresh Palestinian infighting. Abbas's elite guard also called in reinforcements.
The standoff followed gunbattles overnight
in Gaza City between police and a new security force set up by the Hamas-led
government in defiance of Abbas. The clashes sent terrified residents fleeing
from the streets amidst rising tensions.
Sami Abu Zuhri, the Hamas spokesman who was
caught at Rafah, initially refused to leave the border terminal without the
money, which was confiscated by Palestinian customs agents.
But witnesses said he later left and the gunmen
withdrew. Hamas lawmaker Mushir al-Masri said Abu Zuhri was carrying "donations
from Arab nations to the Palestinian government and it was meant to be paid
for prisoners in Israeli jails."
Abu Zuhri told Reuters he left after an agreement was reached for the money
to "be released soon".
The Palestinian Authority is facing a financial
crisis after international donors suspended aid because of the Hamas-led government's
failure to renounce violence and recognize Israel.
-Reuters
