The attack comes after a brutal day of factional fighting between Hamas and Fatah rivals in Gaza that killed 15 people. Four days of intense Palestinian infighting in Gaza have killed 41 people.

"The international community and Arab countries shoulder part of the responsibility for the current events due to their attitudes toward the national unity government," Abu Marzouk told The Associated Press by telephone in Damascus. "The continued financial and political siege has pushed matters to this simmering tension."

He also blamed Israel and Arab apathy toward the economic sanctions for the fighting.

A Palestinian security force officer loyal to the Fatah Movement runs for cover during clashes with Hamas militants in Gaza City.
Photo: AP

"The Israelis are behind all these events," Abu Marzouk said. "It's illogical that the Arabs stand idle watching the Palestinian arena while it's on the verge of explosion under the siege. ... This is a constant pressure that has led to a real explosion."

Abu Marzouk singled out Javier Solana, the European Union's foreign policy chief, for criticism. "He was one of the main instigator for these events because he is continuing his siege of the Palestinian people and had boycotted Palestinian elections," the Hamas official said.

After talks in Brussels Tuesday with Palestinian Foreign Minister Ziad Abu Amr, Solana rejected criticism that the inter-Palestinian fighting was due to the international aid embargo the EU and other key donors including the US and the UN have imposed on the Palestinian government because it includes the militant Hamas group.

The major donors have demanded that Hamas recognize Israel, renounce violence and commit to past agreements before aid is restored. Hamas has rejected the demand.

Abu Marzouk ruled out the possibility of a Palestinian civil war. "This is absolutely rejected by all Palestinian parties," he said.