The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) security forces and the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) militants renewed their clashes on Tuesday in northern Gaza Strip, witnesses said.

The witnesses reported that seven Palestinians were injured in the clashes that took place near the refugee camp of Jabalia between members of Hamas armed wing of Al-Qassam Brigades and the PNA security forces.

Among the injuries were four Qassam militants and at least one security officer, who is also a member of the mainstream Fatah movement's armed wing Aqsa martyrs brigades.

The clashes renewed in spite of efforts made by the Egyptian intelligence delegation that aims at mediating between both sides to end the crisis.

The confrontations erupted at predawn Tuesday, where national security officers were seen deploying in several main roads, where several checkpoints erected in the northern Gaza Strip's streets.

Meanwhile, Qassam brigades and Hamas supporters were stationed at Tal Za'tar area in northern Gaza Strip, in which is considered as their stronghold. Tal Za'tar is the highest hill in the northern Strip.

Local residents said that members of al-Qassam brigades assaulted several PNA's jeeps and cars during the clashes and kidnapped those who were in one of the jeeps. The militants later set them free.

The spokesman of Palestinian Interior Ministry Tawfiq Abu Khoussa said Hamas militants had wounded three members of the security officers in shooting attacks and burned three PNA's vehicles.

Hamas accused the security members of being responsible for setting fire at two pro-Hamas offices and a Hamas vehicle in the northern Gaza Strip.

Source: Xinhua