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GAZA, Dec 22 (Reuters) - Gunmen exchanged fire in Gaza City early on Friday close to the home of the foreign minister in the Hamas-led government, Palestinian witnesses said.

It was not immediately clear if the heavy gunfire near the home of Mahmoud al-Zahar was a clash between rival Hamas and Fatah factions, though residents said they suspected the gunmen were from a local clan rather than Fatah.

Residents said the gunmen opened fire at al-Zahar's home, which sparked the exchanges with Hamas fighters.

Tensions have been high in Gaza after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on Saturday for early elections. Hamas, which trounced the once dominant Fatah in January polls, said it would boycott a new poll.

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