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Palestinian security forces from rival Fatah and Hamas factions have engaged in a gun battle in Gaza City.

Media reports say two police officers loyal to the Fatah faction of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas were wounded in the fighting late Thursday.

A member of the Hamas force was also shot and wounded.

Tensions rose earlier this week when Hamas deployed a 3,000-strong police force made up mostly of militants - defying Mr. Abbas. In response, he ordered Palestinian police under his control to also deploy.

In Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice warned the creation of rival Palestinian security forces is creating a dangerous situation. She said all Palestinian parties should respect the need of the Palestinian people to not have violence in the streets.

Fatah and Hamas have been locked in a struggle over control of Palestinian security forces since Hamas formed the Palestinian government after winning legislative elections in January.