Hamas Takes Fatah Outposts in Gaza

Hamas fighters overpowered Fatah security forces to capture their headquarters in northern Gaza today, as battles raging across the strip for the second day left at least 37 dead, the AP reports. Pro-Fatah soldiers then attacked the main Hamas-run television station, but they were repelled.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas accused Hamas of trying to overthrow the Fatah leadership in a coup. In an emergency meeting in Ramallah, Fatah leaders decided to suspend the activities of their ministers in the shared government, and to withdraw fully if the fighting doesn't stop. (More Fatah stories.)