A former Fatah minister kidnapped and released

A day after a ceasefire was declared between Fatah and Hamas, the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate. A day of violence passed in the Gaza Strip with no sign of calm.

A former minister of the Fatah, Sufian Abu Zayde, was kidnapped by Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. Abu Zayde was released after mediation by Egypt an hour and a half after he was taken.

In this kidnapping, Hamas retaliated for the abduction of Imad Dib, a Hamas officer who was kidnapped earlier today by Fatah operatives. Fatah called the kidnapping of Abu Zayde a crossing of all red lines.

Firefights continued throughout the day in the Gaza Strip. One Fatah operative was killed and 15 Palestinians were injured.

Olmert: We desire peace, Syria does not

In a meeting today with several members of the American Congress, PM Olmert responded to recent Syrian peace overtures. Olmert said that he wishes for peace with Syria, but Syria continues to support extremists in Lebanon and Iraq, hosts terrorists in Damascus and is an ally of Iran.

Olmert said he wishes to meet with Abu Mazen in the near future and that Israel maintains the ceasefire with the Palestinians despite repeated rocket launches by the latter.

The members of Congress expressed disapproval of negotiations with Syria at this time and the necessity of isolating Iran. Olmert called for sanctions on Iran who is trying to acquire weapons of mass destruction and wishes to wipe Israel off the map.

King Abdullah expresses support of Abu Mazen

King Abudllah of Jordan spoke with President Abu Mazen and expressed support of the PA under his rule and the need for Palestinian unity.

Adullah called for Hamas and Fatah to put an end to the fighting between the factions.

Meanwhile fighting continued in Gaza.

Around noon there was a gunfire outside the FM building in Gaza and later in the afternoon another firefight ensued outside the presidency residence of Abu Mazen in Gaza.

The ceasefire which was proclaimed yesterday between Fatah and Hamas proved ineffectual today.

Abu Mazen calls for Olmert to meet with him

In a meeting with British PM, Tony Blair, Palestinian President, Abu Mazen, called for PM Olmert to meet with him in order to resume talks to bring about the end of the conflict between Israel and the palestinians. Abu Mazen said that only peace will ensure stability and quiet. Abu Mazen asked Blair to support efforts to bring about the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

Abu Mazen called the palestinian factions to maintain the ceasefire which was proclaimed yesterday (even though fighting continued today in various locations) but said that regardless of it, the elections will be held at an earlier than planned date.

PM Blair said that his government will not negotiate with the Hamas government and that Hamas knows the way to international acceptance. Blair thanked Abu Mazen for his efforts to renew the peace process.

Blair is to meet with Israeli officials later today including FM Tzipi Livni, Security Minister, Amir Peretz, and PM Olmert.

Powell: USA should talk with Syria

The former Secretary of State of the Bush administration, Colin Powell, criticized his former boss by saying that America should talk with Syria. Powell reminisced about his days as Secretary of State in which he traveled to Damascus twice and America held open conenctions with the Syrians. Powell stated that at least on one occasion the Syrians proved able to ameliorate the explosive situation which existed on the Lebanese border between Israel and Hezbollah.

Powell's statements come in the wake of several peace overtures made by Syria towards Israel.

Gaza: Is this a ceasefire?

Despite reports yesterday which stated that Fatah and Hamas agreed on a ceasefire mediated by Egyptian officials, fightings between the two factions resumed today.

Gunfire was heard near the residence of President Abu Mazen though no casualties were reported. Skirmishes broke out near the parliament building in Gaza and outside the home of Fatah most powerful man in Gaza, Muhammad Dahlan.

In Gaza city, a 16 year old boy was injured when masked Hamas operatives threw hand grenades in the center of town.

Top officials in both the Fatah and Hamas denied the existence of any ceasefire.