A Palestinian security member was killed and four people wounded on Sunday during clashes in southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah between radical Islamists and police, witnesses and security sources said.

The witnesses said the clashes erupted when the radicals tried to prevent a celebration at one of the UN-run school because boys and girls were mixed in violation of the Islamic Sharia or law.

The slain was identified as Sulaiman al-Sha'er who is a bodyguard for Fatah lawmaker Majed Abu Shamala.

Police forces and troops loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas were called to the scene to control the situation and provide security for some international staff representing the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRAW).

Jhon Ging, operations director of the UNRAW, was attending the annual celebration that marks the school year-end, said the witnesses.

Over the past half year, many names of extremist groups have appeared in Gaza Strip and became associated with bombings against recreational places and Western-run organizations.

Earlier this week, a Hamas lawmaker has warned that al-Qaida will arrive to the region, owing to "the dismissal of the Islamic movement from true political partnership."

Source: Xinhua