By Xinhua
Ramallah : Clashes erupted at Hebron University on Sunday as Fatah-allied Palestinian National Authority (PNA) security services attempted to break up an outdoor rally held by Hamas-affiliated students, witnesses said.
The university administration said the clashes erupted as the security forces tried to prevent Hamas-affiliated students from protesting against raising the tuition fees.
The university administration would not allow the gathering on campus because classes were not in session Sunday. The Hamas-affiliated students then decided to hold their meeting outside the campus, said the witnesses.
They added that the PNA security forces arrived at the scene and began dispersing the protesting students with clubs. Several journalists who came to cover the rally were also beaten.
Palestinian students who were watching the clashes said that at least 20 students “were beaten and detained by President Mahmoud Abbas security forces.”
A meeting was underway between university officials and the commander of the security services in Hebron Samih Seifi. University officials accused the Hamas-affiliated students of staging the meeting for “political purposes.”
In Gaza, on Friday, 30 Palestinians, including five local cameramen were also beaten by Hamas executive force members, when Fatah supporters came to pray in public squares and yards for the weekly Muslims Friday prayers.