RAMALLAH, West Bank (AFP) -- Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas will head to Gaza in his first visit to the coastal strip since deadly clashes between his Fatah party and the ruling Hamas movement.

It will mark the first time that the Palestinian leader will visit Gaza since internecine violence killed 16 people and wounded dozens there in the days immediately following his call for elections on December 16.

The Palestinian leader called the early ballot to resolve a months-long standoff with Hamas, a move roundly rejected by the ruling Islamists.

Muslims in Gaza on Saturday began celebrating the Eid Al-Adha feast, coinciding with the annual pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina.