A militant from the ruling Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) was killed on Wednesday in clashes between a group of Hamas militants and members of Fatah-led Preventive Security Forces in the southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Younis.

Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told reporters that the Preventive Security Forces suddenly opened fire at a car carrying members of Izeldein al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas' armed wing, and killed the Hamas militant called Salah al-Astal.

However, sources from the Preventive Security Forces said that the clashes erupted when a group of Hamas gunmen ambushed Major Ref'at Kolab, Preventive Security Chief in Khan Younis, and wounded him.

Medics at Khan Younis Hospital said that Kolab sustained moderate wounds in both of his legs after being shot by Hamas militants.

Hamas militants and the Preventive Security Forces have often clashed over the past week, especially in southern Gaza Strip cities of Khan Younis and Rafah.

"A danger of civil war is looming," chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat warned on Wednesday.

Source: Xinhua