TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Hamas Police Kill 7 At Rally

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 13, 2007

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - A rally of more than 250,000 Fatah supporters ended in mayhem Monday, with Hamas police opening fire and demonstrators hurling rocks or running for cover.

Seven civilians were killed and dozens of people were wounded in the intra-Palestinian violence.

The rally in a Gaza City square, marking the Nov. 11, 2004, death of iconic Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, posed the strongest challenge to Hamas rule in Gaza since the Islamic militant group seized the impoverished territory by force in June. The images of Hamas policemen facing off against large groups of rock-throwers challenged Hamas' claim that it has established tight control.

Fatah's unexpected show of strength was also its most persuasive argument that its leader, moderate Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, has a mandate to renew peacemaking with Israel at a U.S.-hosted Mideast conference in Maryland later this month.

Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri held Fatah responsible for the violence.

The Associated Press

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT