Palestinian protesters in Gaza clashed with Hamas' security forces on Friday, causing some injuries and arrests.
The clash occurred after Fatah supporters began holding worship sessions that quickly escalated into raucous protests against Hamas rule since its takeover of the Gaza Strip in June.
Witnesses said the Hamas men armed with rifles and clubs beat Fatah supporters trying to hold street prayers to protest the Islamic group's rule in Gaza.
In the northern Gaza refugee camp of Jebaliya, dozens Hamas security men were stationed in streets and fired in the air to try to prevent the gatherings. They also ordered journalists to stop filming and move away.
Across Gaza, seven journalists were beaten and two detained, said witnesses.
Medics said at least 11 people were taken to hospital for treatment, some with gun shot wounds.
Meanwhile, four senior Fatah officials and an advisor to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas were arrested during the protests and were taken for interrogation by the Executive Force, who act as police in Hamas-controlled Gaza.
In a statement issued from the West Bank, President Abbas appealed for calm, saying that "we ask our worshippers to avoid any friction or confrontation with the coup-makers and their armed militia", referring to Hamas and its Executive Force.
Earlier in the day, the Fatah movement led by Abbas accused " Hamas militiamen" in Gaza of killing one of its members.
Tarazan Dogmush, a member of a Fatah-affiliated force before the movement lost control of Gaza in June to rival Hamas, was killed after being shot through the head overnight, said local medical sources.
A Fatah official spoke on condition of anonymity told media that Hamas should be blamed for Dogmush's death, accusing "Hamas militiamen" of capturing Dogmush and his brother Ibrahim, who was "tortured".
Fatah also accused the Executive Force paramilitaries, who act as police in Hamas-controlled Gaza, of arresting 33 of its members and supporters overnight.
Source: Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article