Newspapers in the Palestinian territories and the Arabic world
have called on the Palestinian government and Hamas to end
hostilities and work for peace and unity.
Palestinian commentators urge Hamas to put away its weapons
and recognise the right of the Palestinian Authority to govern.
Elsewhere in the Middle East, Israel is said to be watching the
Palestinian infighting with satisfaction.
Editorial in Palestinian al-Quds
The Palestinian Authority and the Islamic
opposition factions should meet urgently to discuss basic principles
to end the discord and avoid more tragic incidents. The first
principle that they should agree on is that the use of arms to solve
disagreements should be avoided. The second principle should be to
respect the single authority and government delegated by the people.
No other party has the right to assume this role. 
Commentator in al-Quds
What rationality can give a pretext for the
shedding of Palestinian blood? The struggle has gone beyond the
spirit of political rivalry and has breached all red lines. The
perpetrators should be ashamed of themselves and should stop
contaminating society with the smell of blood and gunpowder. 
Commentator in Palestinian al-Hayat
al-Jadidah
No one has asked Hamas to relinquish its arms.
Only that it should end armed appearances which have led to rogue
actions. We practise self-punishment and launch a defeated war
against each other after failing to stand up to the foe. 
Commentator in al-Hayat al-Jadidah
The disgraceful incidents that occurred in Gaza
are everyone's responsibility. If things remain unchanged and the
infighting and lawlessness become chronic, and if the Palestinian
Authority does not succeed in controlling the situation, then we do
not deserve an independent state. 
Commentator in Palestinian al-Ayyam
The clashes that took place the day before
yesterday were a shock that should awaken the Palestinians from
their dreams. Wise men from both sides should discuss ways to
rebuild the whole Palestinian political system. 
Editorial in Syria's ruling party paper
al-Baath
Palestinian blood is a red line - The scenario
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has been dreaming of unfolded in
Gaza on Sunday, when Palestinian police and resistant fighters loyal
to Hamas clashed. The Israeli government is working on more than one
plan to undermine the Palestinian unity. What happened last Sunday
should never happen again. 
Editorial in Egypt's top circulation
al-Ahram
We hope the Palestinian national forces will
hasten to put a clear end to all displays of arms and give the
national authority a full opportunity to reorganise itself in
preparation for the difficult struggle with the Israeli government
over the implementation of the roadmap. 
Editorial in Saudi Arabia's al-Jazirah
Israel has a great interest in seeing the
Palestinian rank fragmented and unstable. It has deliberately put a
great deal of pressure on the Palestinian Authority so that it
reigns in the factions in a way that provokes a clash. But it is
also true that the factions can show they have the will to foil the
Israeli plans by reaching an accord among themselves. 
Editorial in Egypt's al-Akhbar
The greatest danger the Palestinian cause is
now facing is the guns of the Palestinian resistance in confronting
the weapon of legality embodied by the Palestinian Authority.
Whatever the excuses given by this party or the other, it is
unacceptable for Palestinian bullets to be aimed at Palestinians.
Editorial in Iran's Arabic-language
al-Vefagh
The Palestinians' inability to handle their own
affairs is one thing that Israel was hoping for. Palestinians should
quickly reorganise to strengthen their unity, instead of resorting
to the language of bullets and blood. 
Editorial in Qatar's al-Rayah
We urge all Palestinians to resort to brotherly
dialogue and abide by political wisdom. Palestinians have no other
choice but to strengthen their unity. 
BBC Monitoring
selects and translates news from radio, television, press, news
agencies and the Internet from 150 countries in more than 70
languages. It is based in Caversham, UK, and has several bureaus
abroad.
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