RAMALLAH, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Deputy Prime Minister of Hamas-led government Nasser al-Sha'er said on Sunday the Palestinian Territories were on the brink of volcano after deadly factional clashes in Gaza Strip.

    "The Palestinian cause will pay the price if the situation remained in this way," al-Sha'er warned, adding that if civil war erupted, "we won't be able to retreat."

    Four Palestinians were killed on Sunday in armed clashes between Hamas militants and members of security services who took to the streets demanding for delayed salaries.

    Al-Sha'er called on the protesters not to resort to weapons or violence and keep their strike peaceful. Hamas says it would stop the strike by force, accusing security forces of attacking "public and private priorities."

    Al-Sha'er, who was released last week from Israel, stressed that forming a national unity government would be the only way to end the crisis.

    However, al-Sha'er admitted it was difficult for the Hamas-led government to secure salaries, saying the problem of salaries was "economic and political."

    The government faces economic sanctions and western aid cutoff for its political platform based on Hamas charter that calls for removing Israel from the map.

    Meanwhile, al-Sha'er appealed for all factions to work hard and save the situation by stopping provocative statements. Enditem