The group, members of a political wing of the mainstream Fatah movement, occupied an Interior Ministry office in Deir el-Balah refugee camp, forced everyone to leave and stood guard outside.

The gunmen left the building about three hours later after Palestinian officials agreed to discuss their demands, a spokesman for the gunmen said.

"We have suspended our protest after contacts with Fatah leaders and the interior minister," said Abu Mahmoud, adding that a meeting would be held on Monday to discuss their demands.