Hamas, Fatah agree to halt violence

The Palestinian premier wrested an agreement early Wednesday from his Hamas and the rival Fatah to stop violent incidents, hours after Hamas gunmen attacked a Fatah funeral procession and children were caught in crossfire in Gaza City. Nine Palestinians, including five children, were wounded in the firefight in Gaza City on Tuesday morning. Then Hamas operatives attacked the funeral procession in southern Gaza for a Fatah gunman killed in a Monday clash, setting off two bombs and opening fire. Fatah gunmen dropped to the ground and returned the fire. Three unarmed bystanders were lightly wounded, hospital officials said. The fighting broke out hours before international mediators agreed to send some aid to ease the financial siege on the Hamas-led government because of its violent anti-Israel ideology.