07/26/2008
Hamas security arrested dozens of supporters of the rival Fatah group, hurled grenades at the home of one Fatah leader and set up checkpoints across Gaza on Saturday, following a mysterious beach side blast that killed five Hamas members and 6-year-old girl.
Hamas leaders openly blamed the rival group for Friday's blast, which if correct, would be the deadliest since its militia ousted Fatah-allied security forces from Gaza in a violent takeover more than a year ago.
Fatah leaders denied involvement, and an aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the Hamas crackdown on Fatah - the toughest in recent months - is reducing prospects for eventual reconciliation.
Hamas on Saturday responded with a large-scale crackdown on Fatah loyalists, one of the toughest since seizing power.
Hamas policemen set up checkpoints on major thoroughfares and roads leading to security compounds, checking suspicious cars and forcing others to slow down. Dozens of Fatah supporters were rounded up, said a prominent Fatah leader in Gaza.
Friday's blast went off underneath a car parked near a crowded Gaza City beach, Hamas officials said.
At the time, a group of Hamas members were having picnic on the beach, Hamas said. Three Hamas members and the girl, six-year-old Serena Safady were killed immediately.
Two more Hamas members died of injuries on Saturday and 15 people were wounded, according to a statement by the Palestinian Health Ministry.
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