Hamas militiamen enforced a new ban on unlicensed street rallies in Gaza Monday, firing into the air and clubbing protesters loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
After Fatah and other allied groups announced plans to stage a rally Monday, Hamas banned all demonstrations and public gatherings that did not have authorization.
The Palestinian militant group said the ban was necessary to preserve security and arrange protection for demonstrators.
Hamas detained several demonstrators and confiscated equipment from news photographers and cameramen covering the protests.
Hamas in Gaza routed forces loyal to President Abbas and his Fatah movement in five days of fighting in June, and have tolerated no dissent since taking over the coastal strip.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
