GAZA CITY (AP) -- The Palestinian interior minister stepped down Monday after six people were killed in an outbreak of factional fighting that has threatened the survival of the new Palestinian coalition government.

The departure of Interior Minister Hani Kawasmeh was a major setback for the government, which was formed in March by the pragmatic Fatah party and the Islamic group Hamas to end months of factional violence.

The two sides had selected Kawasmeh as a compromise candidate for the sensitive interior ministry post, and his resignation highlighted the deep rifts that remain on security matters.

Kawasmeh threatened to resign two weeks ago to protest the violence and lawlessness plaguing Gaza. After earlier rejecting the resignation, Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas accepted it on Monday.

"Ismael Haniyeh has accepted the resignation of the minister of the interior," government spokesman Mustafa Barghouti said. Officials said Haniyeh would take control of the Interior Ministry until a replacement for Kawasmeh is found.