GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip ? A security panel headed by Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat declared a state of emergency in the Gaza Strip early today after a wave of kidnappings involving a Palestinian police chief, a security official and four French citizens.

Although most of the hostages were later freed, the crisis raised questions about the future of Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia’s government, which will meet today in a session that could determine its future, a Palestinian official said on condition of anonymity.

The declaration by the Palestinian security council called for increased protection around government facilities and canceled all leave for security officials.

The deteriorating situation reflected the growing disagreements among militant groups and individuals trying to strengthen their positions before Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon fulfills his pledge to withdraw Israeli forces and some 7,500 settlers from Gaza late next year.

The kidnappings prompted two senior Palestinian security officials to submit their resignations, but Arafat refused to accept them.

The apparent challenge to Qureia comes as Arafat attempts to fend off criticism from some Palestinian officials, unhappy about the pace of government reform and the persistence of corruption in the Palestinian Authority. Arafat’s popularity has waned as tensions have escalated.

Qureia replaced Mahmoud Abbas in September 2003, but for most of his time in office has languished in Arafat’s shadow. Abbas resigned as prime minister after four months, complaining he was hamstrung by Arafat.

The crisis was triggered by militants who abducted the national police chief and another top security official they accused of corruption.

At about midday Friday, gunmen abducted Palestinian Chief of Police Ghazi Jabali after attacking his vehicle in a highway ambush three miles south of Gaza City.

Hours later, Palestinian Authority officials negotiated his release.