Palestinians hold Hamas militant

Palestinian security forces have arrested a Hamas militant following a brief clash in the Gaza Strip.

The security forces say they found three members of Hamas about to launch a rocket at a nearby Israeli settlement and moved in to prevent the attack.

There was an exchange of fire and one of the militants was detained.

A BBC correspondent in Gaza says the incident will be seen as further proof that the Palestinians are determined to enforce a ceasefire agreed with Israel.

The clash happened after dark near Beit Lahiya, in the north of the territory.

Two rockets exploded earlier near the Israeli town of Sderot, but it was not clear whether the three had fired them. No damage or casualties were caused by the blasts.

'Sabotage'

Hamas denies that its men were preparing to launch a missile saying they were on what they called a routine patrol.

Its spokesman, Sami Abu Zuhri , said Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas was trying to sabotage the ceasefire by arresting its members.

Hamas has, however, agreed to allow what it calls an unofficial period of calm, and the level of violence in Gaza has dropped.

But sporadic missile attacks on settlements have continued.

The militants often say they are retaliating for what they regard as Israeli army truce violations.

Around 16 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire came into force.