Palestinian security officials say six people have been killed in a firefight between Hamas fighters and Palestinian policemen in the West Bank, AP reported.
The officials say three of the men are Palestinian policemen loyal to President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah. They say two are fighters from the rival Hamas organization, and another is a civilian.
The violence is the worst flare-up of Fatah-Hamas fighting yet seen in the West Bank. Bloodshed between Fatah and Hamas was common in the Gaza Strip until Hamas routed Fatah and took control of the coastal territory two years ago.
The security officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to release the information to the media.
They said the police were trying to arrest the Hamas men when shooting erupted.