Rival Palestinian groups, including Islamic militants, gathered in the Gaza Strip on Friday in a show of unity they hoped would prevent the volatile region from spiraling into chaos during Yasser Arafat's absence. With their leader in a coma, many Palestinians were surprisingly ambivalent about the man who led them for nearly four decades, wishing him well but exhausted by his failures. Others feared the Palestinian Authority would collapse into anarchy and violent power struggles following Arafat's death. Arafat, 75, had steadfastly refused to appoint a successor and none of his possible replacements appear to have the popularity or power base to unify competing — and sometimes warring — Palestinian factions. It seems increasingly likely that, at least for the transition period, the Palestinians will be led by a collective, headed by Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia and former Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas, Arafat's deputy in the PLO. Much will depend on how the two men get along because the division of powers is not clearly defined. As prime minister, Qureia would deal with the daily affairs of governing, while Abbas would handle diplomacy, Palestinian officials said. Under Palestinian law, Parliament Speaker Rauhi Fattouh would take Arafat's place as Palestinian Authority president for 60 days until new elections are held. Palestinian officials have expressed concern that Fattouh, who was named speaker only last year, may not be up to the job, even briefly. They said Fatah was looking for ways to get around making Fattouh the top leader, perhaps by ensuring that Abbas and Qureia exercise most power.