Arab press urges Palestinian unity

Newspapers in the Palestinian territories and the Arabic world have called on the Palestinian government and Hamas to end hostilities and work for peace and unity.

Palestinian commentators urge Hamas to put away its weapons and recognise the right of the Palestinian Authority to govern. Elsewhere in the Middle East, Israel is said to be watching the Palestinian infighting with satisfaction.

Editorial in Palestinian al-Quds

The Palestinian Authority and the Islamic opposition factions should meet urgently to discuss basic principles to end the discord and avoid more tragic incidents. The first principle that they should agree on is that the use of arms to solve disagreements should be avoided. The second principle should be to respect the single authority and government delegated by the people. No other party has the right to assume this role.

Commentator in al-Quds

What rationality can give a pretext for the shedding of Palestinian blood? The struggle has gone beyond the spirit of political rivalry and has breached all red lines. The perpetrators should be ashamed of themselves and should stop contaminating society with the smell of blood and gunpowder.

Commentator in Palestinian al-Hayat al-Jadidah

No one has asked Hamas to relinquish its arms. Only that it should end armed appearances which have led to rogue actions. We practise self-punishment and launch a defeated war against each other after failing to stand up to the foe.

Commentator in al-Hayat al-Jadidah

The disgraceful incidents that occurred in Gaza are everyone's responsibility. If things remain unchanged and the infighting and lawlessness become chronic, and if the Palestinian Authority does not succeed in controlling the situation, then we do not deserve an independent state.

Commentator in Palestinian al-Ayyam

The clashes that took place the day before yesterday were a shock that should awaken the Palestinians from their dreams. Wise men from both sides should discuss ways to rebuild the whole Palestinian political system.

Editorial in Syria's ruling party paper al-Baath

Palestinian blood is a red line - The scenario Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has been dreaming of unfolded in Gaza on Sunday, when Palestinian police and resistant fighters loyal to Hamas clashed. The Israeli government is working on more than one plan to undermine the Palestinian unity. What happened last Sunday should never happen again.

Editorial in Egypt's top circulation al-Ahram

We hope the Palestinian national forces will hasten to put a clear end to all displays of arms and give the national authority a full opportunity to reorganise itself in preparation for the difficult struggle with the Israeli government over the implementation of the roadmap.

Editorial in Saudi Arabia's al-Jazirah

Israel has a great interest in seeing the Palestinian rank fragmented and unstable. It has deliberately put a great deal of pressure on the Palestinian Authority so that it reigns in the factions in a way that provokes a clash. But it is also true that the factions can show they have the will to foil the Israeli plans by reaching an accord among themselves.

Editorial in Egypt's al-Akhbar

The greatest danger the Palestinian cause is now facing is the guns of the Palestinian resistance in confronting the weapon of legality embodied by the Palestinian Authority. Whatever the excuses given by this party or the other, it is unacceptable for Palestinian bullets to be aimed at Palestinians.

Editorial in Iran's Arabic-language al-Vefagh

The Palestinians' inability to handle their own affairs is one thing that Israel was hoping for. Palestinians should quickly reorganise to strengthen their unity, instead of resorting to the language of bullets and blood.

Editorial in Qatar's al-Rayah

We urge all Palestinians to resort to brotherly dialogue and abide by political wisdom. Palestinians have no other choice but to strengthen their unity.

BBC Monitoring selects and translates news from radio, television, press, news agencies and the Internet from 150 countries in more than 70 languages. It is based in Caversham, UK, and has several bureaus abroad.