Arafat Rally Turns Violent, Hamas Fires On Crowd

November 12, 2007 · Filed Under Terrorism, Terrorists, World News

Hamas security forces opened fire Monday at a rally by the rival Fatah movement commemorating Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. Six people were killed in the bloodiest day of intra-Palestinian fighting since Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip in June.

Some 250,000 Fatah supporters joined Monday’s rally in a major square of Gaza City, carrying pictures of Arafat, yellow Fatah flags and wearing trademark black-and-white Arab headdresses. It was the biggest outpouring of support for Fatah since Hamas’ violent takeover of the territory.

The crowd scattered as masked Hamas security men ran through the city streets, firing weapons. Two hours later, hundreds of Hamas gunmen controlled the protest site and were arresting protesters as they tried to flee.

Hamas officials accused Fatah of provoking the violence. Since taking over Gaza, Hamas has rounded up Fatah supporters, confiscated weapons and barred many large public gatherings.