Hamas condemns attack on Fatah spokesman in Gaza

Palestinian group Hamas has condemned an attack on the spokesman of rival Fatah movement in the Gaza Strip.

Spokesman Atef Abu Saif was assaulted by unidentified people in Gaza on Monday with Fatah blaming Hamas for what it described as an assassination attempt against its member.

In a statement on Tuesday, Hamas spokesman Khalil al-Hayya denounced the attack and called on the Interior Ministry “to take the necessary measures to identify the attackers and punish them”.

He also slammed any statements that blame Hamas for Monday’s attack.

Tension has mounted in the Gaza Strip since last week amid protests against Hamas, which rules the Palestinian territory since 2007.

Hamas accuses Fatah, which is led by President Mahmoud Abbas, of inciting the protests with a view of “triggering chaos” in the enclave.

Fatah and Hamas have been at odds since Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007 from Fatah after street fighting.