Hamas, Fatah Backers Fight Over Elections

[drdon326]

Hundreds of youths supporting the militant Hamas group clashed with backers of Mahmoud Abbas' ruling Fatah (news - web sites) party on Sunday, injuring at least nine people, during a Hamas campaign rally for student council elections.

The brawl erupted when several hundred Fatah supporters at Hebron University in the West Bank started shouting their own party's slogans in the midst of a large Hamas rally. Harsh words erupted into a fight, sending photographers and cameramen at the scene running for cover.

Student supporters of the militant Islamic Jihad intervened, acting as a buffer and eventually ending the fight.

Hospital officials said at least nine people were injured, including an Agence France Press photographer who received five stitches in the head.

Hamas, the largest and most powerful Palestinian militant group, has emerged as a key player in Palestinian politics. A decision by the group to participate in upcoming Palestinian parliamentary elections has Fatah supporters concerned the Islamic group could defeat them.

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050313/ap_on_re_mi_ea/palestinians_street_brawl

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