Abassan, Gaza Strip - Clashes Between Fatah And Hamas Gunmen

Abassan, Gaza Strip - Rival gunmen from Hamas and Fatah fought with assault rifles and missiles, killing three militants in the bloodiest internal fighting since Hamas came to power six weeks ago.

The fighting was the latest sign the two sides could be sliding toward large-scale clashes.

Each group has been training its gunmen for possible confrontation, and Hamas recently outbid Fatah in buying a black market shipment of 100,000 bullets.