Dozens of Palestinians were reported injured when clashes broke out on Saturday afternoon in Gaza between Fatah and Hamas activists. Students from the two organizations from the Islamic University and the al-Azhar University clashed violently over comments made by Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal, who accused Fatah of cooperating with Israel. Mashaal stated that the Hamas will not allow "collaborators with Israel to take power" of the PA government.
Fatah officials held a press conference on Saturday afternoon where they stated their intent not to allow the Hamas to “insult the honor of Fatah.” Fatah supporters demonstrating against the Hamas leader's statements claim Mashaal intended to incite a Palestinian civil war.
Fatah activists claimed that the new Palestinian Authority government had failed to pay their salaries but had already paid the salaries of Hamas military wing members. Rafiq al-Husseini, head of Mahmoud Abbas' Office, was dispatched to Gaza to help resolve the conflict between the rivaling factions.
Fatah officials held a press conference on Saturday afternoon where they stated their intent not to allow the Hamas to “insult the honor of Fatah.” Fatah supporters demonstrating against the Hamas leader's statements claim Mashaal intended to incite a Palestinian civil war.
Fatah activists claimed that the new Palestinian Authority government had failed to pay their salaries but had already paid the salaries of Hamas military wing members. Rafiq al-Husseini, head of Mahmoud Abbas' Office, was dispatched to Gaza to help resolve the conflict between the rivaling factions.