Hamas security forces in the Gaza Strip arrested 120 men aligned with Fatah faction on Saturday after an explosion there killed five Hamas members and a girl, the Hamas' officials and Fatah said. Friday's blast next to a car used by the armed wing of Hamas killed three members and the girl, and two others later died of their wounds in hospital, Reuters said.

"The Fatah movement has no link whatsovever with these internal disputes within Hamas," a statement by Fatah said. "The claim that Fatah carried out these explosions aims to cover up the fact that there are disputes within Hamas," added a statement from Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas' office.

Hamas urged Gaza Strip residents to turn out in their masses for the funerals of the six, who will be buried following noon prayers on Saturday.

At least 19 other Palestinians were hurt, medical officials said, many of them passersby on their way to the beach.

© 2008 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)