GAZA, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Mediators from Palestinian factions could free three Hamas people abducted last night by Fatah militants in northern Gaza Strip.

   Two groups of gunmen kidnapped at gunpoint five militants from Hamas and its Auxiliary Forces in Beit Lahiya town north of Gaza.

   The Islamic Jihad (Holy War) movement and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) intervened and released three of the militants but two others remain held.

   The governing Hamas and President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah have been trading kidnappings in recent weeks in Gaza Strip. The fighting was part of power struggle between the two movements.

   Meanwhile, a member of Hamas Auxiliary Forces has died in an Israeli hospital while receiving treatment. Tamer Nassar, 20, was critically wounded last Friday during clashes between Hamas and a clan in Gaza city. After the indents, cautious calmness reigned.