KHAN YOUNIS, West Bank, Feb. 24 (UPI) -- Clan violence in the West Bank has left five Palestinians dead and more than 40 injured and raised fears the fighting could escalate, reports said.
The clashes that began Friday were initially linked to a deadly feud between families, but The New York Times said there were fears the animosity could spread since one clan supports Fatah and the other is tied to rival Hamas.
Fighting between Hamas and Fatah loyalists has claimed nearly 100 lives since December.
The current violence began with the shooting of a 27-year-old member of a Hamas underground organization in the city of Khan Younis. Hamas quickly blamed the killing on another family that supports Fatah and was apparently seeking revenge for another murder last month.
The revenge aspect coupled with political rivalries has authorities worried the fragile truce between Fatah and Hamas could be doomed.
