The Gaza Strip was again the scene of intense clashes between Hamas security forces and supporters of the Fatah movement on Friday, at least 40 people being injured.

Dozens of supporters of the movement headed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas wanted to hold their prayers on Gaza’s streets, despite Hamas' opposition.

According to a decree issued by Hamas last month, organizers of public protests have to receive approval from the Islamic movement controlling Gaza before initiating the action. A similar decree is in action in the West Bank, where Fatah is in charge of security since June.

Friday’s protest action quickly turned into violence and members of the Hamas Executive Security Force used batons, teargas and even warning shots to disperse the demonstrators. Media representatives were again stopped from taking pictures or film the events, five journalists being slightly injured in the scuffle with Hamas forces.

Fatah officials accused Hamas gunmen of rummaging the offices of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in Gaza City and abducting a Fatah member, who was later found dead in central Gaza.

Meanwhile, medical sources said the body of a 24-year-old man has been found Friday near the Nuseirat refugee camp. The man was allegedly abducted along with a relative Thursday night by unknown perpetrators, who are believed to be Hamas gunmen.

The other person was seriously injured. They were both members of the Doghmush clan, which was involved in the kidnapping of British journalist Alan Johnston earlier this year. Johnston was snatched by a group named the Army of Islam, Palestinian sources saying the Doghmush family is actually behind the militant group.

Also on Friday, four Fatah high-ranked members were reportedly detained in Gaza for taking part in the massive protest action. Among them was a woman, who is considered to be one of the prominent Fatah members in Gaza.

Over the past 48 hours, more than 30 Fatah officials were arrested by Hamas' Executive Force, who tries to quell any outburst of violence in the salient. Hamas accused the rival movement of trying to undermine its authority in the Strip by launching a “Fatah insurgency.”

Open-air prayers took place in the West Bank, almost 1,500 persons attending the session held at Abbas’ compound in Ramallah. The Palestinian leader made a call to all Fatah followers to participate at outdoor prayers in Gaza and the West Bank, but avoid further clashes with Hamas members.

Relations between the two organizations deteriorated after the 2006 parliamentary elections, won by Hamas. Turmoil gripped the political and social life in Gaza, the climax being reached in June when fighters from Hamas’ military wing clashed with Fatah security forces and ousted them after a week of fierce battles.

The unity cabinet was dissolved shortly after those incidents by Abbas and a new administration was formed in the West Bank, headed by renown economist and politician Salam Fayyad.