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Mourning in Palestinian Territories After Hamas Forces Kill 7 at Fatah Rally

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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says Tuesday is the first of three days of mourning for the victims of Monday's violence in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas forces opened fire at a massive rally on Monday, killing several members of Mr. Abbas' rival Fatah faction.

The shooting erupted as hundreds of thousands of Fatah supporters jammed the center of Gaza City to mark the third anniversary of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's death. Arafat is the founder of Fatah.

Medical sources say seven people were killed and about 100 others were wounded.

Fatah blames the rival Palestinian group for starting the shooting, while Hamas says its men came under fire from Fatah gunmen and shot back.

The Gaza Strip is controlled by Hamas. It took control of the coastal territory in June after fighting with Fatah forces.

Monday's rally was Fatah's biggest show of strength since Hamas overran Gaza, expelling the security forces of Fatah's leader, Mr. Abbas.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.

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