GAZA CITY [MENL] -- Hamas fired missiles toward Palestinian security forces and seized control of the northern Gaza Strip in what was termed the most violent resistance to the rule of Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.

The clashes between Hamas operatives and PA security forces this week have injured at least 30 people, including bodyguards of leading PA officials and Fatah activists. Fatah fighters also joined the battles against Hamas.

PA officials acknowledged that Hamas, armed with a range of missiles and rockets, has become more powerful than Palestinian security forces in the Gaza Strip. They said the Islamic opposition has sought to replace the PA as Israel withdraws from the area.

Palestinian sources said the worst of the clashes took place over the last two days. On July 19, Hamas launched missiles and rockets toward security forces around the Jabalya refugee camp north of Gaza City.