Shoot-out at Palestinian ministry

Three people were injured in the confrontation. It seems the gunmen were seeking better treatment for a hospital patient, a BBC correspondent says.

Although it appears this was not a political matter, the clash comes at a time of heightened tension in Gaza.

On Saturday there were clashes between rival supporters of Hamas and Fatah.

Several people were hurt in those clashes. Talks continued late into the night on Saturday, from which representatives of the two parties emerged to say that they were determined to calm the situation.

People inside the health ministry on Sunday said the gunmen were linked to one of the military wings of the Fatah party.

They arrived to complain to Health Minister Basim Naim about the treatment of a patient in one of Gaza's hospitals.

It is reported that he summoned Hamas bodyguards, who opened fire after an argument erupted. The Fatah-linked gunmen then reportedly responded with more gunfire.

One of the victims was critically hurt after being shot in the chest while the other two suffered leg and hand wounds, reported the AFP news agency.

Rivalry grows

Hamas has just taken control of the government but the presidency is still in Fatah's hands.

The clash comes a day after Mr Naim said he was cutting the health budget amid a severe financial crisis which has gripped the Hamas-led government since it took office last month. Western nations have frozen aid.

Tension between the two factions were also exacerbated when the head of Hamas' political wing Khaled Meshaal accused the president of treachery, sparking angry demonstrations.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4936302.stm