Rival Palestinian forces begin new ceasefire in Gaza | Top News | Reuters.com

Rival Palestinian forces begin new ceasefire in Gaza | Top News | Reuters.com: "GAZA (Reuters) - Rival Palestinian security forces began withdrawing from parts of Gaza City and freeing hostages under a new ceasefire deal on Tuesday after a day of gun battles and abductions in which six fighters were killed.

A previous ceasefire between the ruling Hamas faction and once-dominant Fatah broke down within 24 hours and it was unclear whether the new one, brokered by Egyptian mediators, would hold. Minutes after the deal took effect at 11 p.m. (2100 GMT), Gaza residents reported gunfire between rival fighters.

A senior aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah said the president planned to issue his decree next week calling for new Palestinian elections, which Hamas has described as a 'coup'." Read complete post here.