In a repetition of a pattern set over several weeks in the Hamas-controlled enclave, the Fatah opposition tried to stage a street rally in the guise of Friday prayers in defiance of a ban on worshipping outside of mosques.
Hamas enforcers, some in uniforms, others dressed in civilian attire, reportedly beat and arrested anyone attempting to pray in the street Friday. Hamas earlier said that traditional Friday prayers were being used by Fatah to sow "anarchy and dissent."
Hamas security police, who visibly outnumbered protestors, also strong-armed journalists, preventing them from photographing or filming the scene unfolding on the central square outside Gaza City's main mosque, and at least four Palestinian journalists were led away in custody.
In contrast to the previous two weeks, when the opposition succeeded in turning end-of the-week prayers into mass opposition rallies, Friday's attempt to gather was quickly and brutally put down.
Fatah first called on its supporters to hold Friday prayers in the streets August 30. The following day, demonstrators clashed with security forces and 12 people were injured.
According to local media, Fatah rallies were also dispersed in several other corners of the Gaza Strip.
The Islamist Hamas movement took over the Gaza Strip following bloody street clashes last summer that left hundreds dead.
Since then, the territory has come under periodic blockades of vital supplies from Israel, and suffered an embargo on financial support from the European Union and the United States.
On Thursday, the Arab League, meeting in Cairo ahead of a Palestinian-Israeli summit in November, called Fatah head and Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas the legitimate leader of the Palestinian people, and the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, which remains under the control of Fatah, parts of a united Palestinian entity.
