Armed clashes between Hamas and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's security forces renewed on Thursday in the West Bank city of Qalqilya, sources said.

Reports said that at least one Palestinian was killed in the clashes but official sources were unable to confirm the reports so far.

The troubles first started on Sunday when two Hamas militants, three policemen and a civilian were killed in gun battles at a house Hamas gunmen said to be holed in.

On Wednesday, a Hamas military spokesman in the Gaza Strip called on his followers in the West Bank, ruled by rival Fatah party, not to give in to any orders of surrender and arresting attempts by pro-Abbas forces.

(Xinhua News Agency June 4, 2009)