January 1, 2008 (LPAC)--Fighting continues between Hamas and Fatah in the Gaza Strip, leaving two more Palestinians dead--a Fatah supporter and Hamas policeman--raising the death toll to eight, and at least 70 wounded, since the clashes broke out on Monday, Dec. 31. On Monday, the 43rd anniversary of the establishment of Fatah, Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas called on Hamas to cede control over the Gaza Strip and return to reconciliation talks and early elections. Hours after his speech, fighting broke out between Fatah and Hamas in Gaza.

"I renew the option of early elections ... and I pledge that I will do my best to ensure this election will be the product of a deep and brotherly understanding," Abbas said in his speech, according to the Israeli daily Ha'aretz. "I urge all, Fatah and Hamas movements and all other Palestinian factions, to study this alternative and not to rush, as usual, to reject it." In a conciliatory tone, he also called on Hamas "to open a new page in relations within our Palestinian home."

Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said that while the group was ready for a dialogue, it would not accept Abbas' demand to first give up control of the Gaza Strip. "Abbas is betting on the American-Zionist project and not on dialog with Hamas," Barhoum told a news conference in Gaza. "We renew our readiness and willingness to restore dialog with Fatah without conditions."

Abbas' proposal is similar to one made by West Bank Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti a few days before, in an interview from the Israeli prison where he is being held.

Lyndon LaRouche said, "Start the dialog, and forget the preconditions. Get to the meat of the question; you can always settle Gaza afterward."