Palestinian students attend a rally, marking the 42nd anniversary of the Fatah movement's founding, in the West Bank city of Hebron January 13, 2007. - REUTERS

GAZA, (Reuters):

Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas yesterday urged an end to internal violence and called for more effort to form a unity government.

At least 30 Palestinians have been killed in factional fighting since President Mahmoud Abbas of the rival Fatah movement called last month for early elections to try to break a political deadlock with Hamas over creating a unity cabinet.

halt internal clashes

"I call on the Palestinian people and factions, in particular Hamas and Fatah, to halt internal clashes," Haniyeh said in a speech broadcast live on television.

"We must protect national unity and work to form a national unity government," said Haniyeh, speaking after days of large rallies by both factions that have sharply raised tensions.

The Hamas Islamists took control of the government in March after beating the once dominant Fatah in parliamentary polls.

But Hamas has struggled to govern under the weight of Western sanctions, which has included an aid embargo, that were imposed because of its refusal to renounce violence and recognise Israel's right to exist.

Hamas spokesman Ismail Rudwan said the militant group would heed Haniyeh's call, urging its members "to show patience and to show self-restraint".

Abbas has left open the door to a unity government being formed, although many analysts believe the differences between Fatah and Hamas, especially over Israel, are too wide.

The president, a moderate, seeks a Palestinian state through negotiations with Israel. Hamas's charter calls for the destruction of the Jewish state.

Haniyeh said a Palestinian civil war must be prevented.

"Clashes must stop completely and forever. Gunfire must never be directed against Palestinians. The rifle must only be raised against the occupation," Haniyeh said, referring to Israel.

Efforts to form a new government last year failed after talks broke down over the new administration's stance towards Israel and its composition.