Nablus (PIC)- More than 20000 Palestinians took part in the Hamas Movement’s rally organized in Nablus city following the Friday congregation to commemorate the 19th anniversary of the Movement’s establishment despite the intensive firing by Fatah elements before during and after the rally.
Armed members of the Fatah factions fired teargas and live bullets at the people gathering for the occasion wounding nine one of whom was in a seriously condition.
Members of the Qassam Brigades armed wing of the Hamas Movement captured one of the Fatah armed elements and questioned him on the party that ordered him to fire at the rally.
MP Sheikh Hamed Al-Beitawi reviewed in a speech the march of the Hamas Movement affirming that it proved keenness on maintaining unity of Palestinian lines despite political detention and harassment.
Sheikh Fayyadh Al-Aghbar delivered a statement on behalf of Hamas stressing that the Movement would continue along the path of resistance.
He affirmed that Hamas was keen on national unity and was exercising self-restraint hoping that rational figures would intervene to put a halt to divisiveness-mongers before it is too late.
Aghbar lashed out at PA chief Mahmoud Abbas’ call for early elections affirming that it was meant to sidestep the Palestinian people’s democratic choice.
For his part PA premier Ismail Haneyya addressed the rally via telephone from Gaza denouncing the shooting at the rally.
He recalled that the Palestinian people had experienced siege in the past but noted that it was the first time a PA government said no to the USA and the “Zionist project”.
Haneyya promised that the government would not be toppled despite all foreign and internal pressures.
The Hamas Movement issued a statement condemning the shooting at the rally charging those opening fire as agents to “foreign suspicious parties”.
The Palestine Scholars League and the bureau of the change and reform parliamentary bloc in Nablus city also denounced the shooting in similar statements.
