GAZA, Dec. 19 The Palestinian education ministry ordered schools closed in Gaza Tuesday following a fight between Fatah and Hamas militants that left five students hurt.In at least three exchanges, two Fatah members and one Hamas militant were killed. Running gun battles in the streets and at least one mortar attack on the headquarters of the pro-Fatah intelligence service were reported.Deputy Education Minister Muhammed Abu Shaqir canceled classes throughout the Gaza Strip, describing the situation as anarchy, the BBC reported. The violence began when Fatah leader and Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas said last week he wanted early elections. While Fatah occupies the presidency, Hamas won parliamentary elections last January and most international funding dried up, as Hamas refuses to renounce violence or recognize Israel as a country.Copyright 2006 by UPI
