The radical Islamic group, Hamas, has warned that it could turn its guns on the Palestinian security forces if its members continue to be targetted by the authorities.

Hamas has previously insisted that its only enemy is Israel.

The group's threat comes in the wake of a renewed security operation by Palestinian police last week that resulted in the Hamas leader, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, being placed under house arrest and hundreds of other activists placed in detention.

The commander of the Palestinian police Ghazi Jabali said they wouldn't be deterred by the threat and would continue to punish those who break the law.

Correspondents say Hamas is vehemently opposed to last month's interim Middle East peace agreement which calls for a concerted effort by the Palestinian Authority against Islamic militants.