First round of fighting
On December 15, 2006, fighting broke out in the West Bank after Palestinian national security forces fired on a Hamas rally in Ramallah. At least 20 people were wounded in the clashes, which came shortly after Hamas accused Fatah of attempting to assassinate Ismail Haniya, the Palestinian prime minister.[18]
Intense fighting continued throughout December 2006 and January 2007 in the Gaza Strip. Several ceasefire attempts failed, being broken by continued battles. In February 2007, Palestinian rivals met in the Islamic holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and reached an accord ensuring a ceasefire. However, minor incidents continued through March and April 2007. More than 90 people were killed in these first months.
Second round of fighting
In mid-May 2007, clashes erupted once again in the streets of Gaza. In less than 20 days, more than 50 Palestinians were killed. Leaders of both parties tried to stop the fighting by calling dozens of truces, but none of them held for longer than a few days.
By most accounts, Hamas performed better than Fatah in the second round of fighting. Some attribute this to the discipline and better training of Hamas's fighters,[19] as most of the casualties were from the Fatah faction.
Third round of fighting: Gaza – Hamas reasserts control
Main article: Battle of Gaza (2007)
Throughout the four days of fighting Hamas took control of the main north–south road and the coastal road.[20] The Israeli government closed all check-points on the borders of Gaza in response to the violence. During the four days of intense fighting at least 116 people were killed.
