Fatah accuses Hamas rivals of detaining 500 members in Gaza

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah party says the rival Hamas movement has detained hundreds of its members in Gaza.

The arrests come as Fatah prepared to mark the 54th anniversary of its founding.

The movement says that Gaza’s Hamas rulers have banned pro-Abbas loyalists from organizing events to mark the occasion and rounded up 500 activists.

The Hamas-run Interior Ministry denies the accusations, saying it only summoned 38 local Fatah leaders “to maintain order.”

Hamas also is allowing supporters of Abbas’s rival in Fatah, Mohammed Dahlan, to light torches and stage marches.

Fatah and Hamas have been bitter rivals since Hamas, an Islamic militant group, toppled Abbas’ forces and seized control of Gaza in 2007.

— AP

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.