By Xinhua,
Ramallah : Palestinian security forces in West Bank arrested a number of academics and Hamas supporters in Nablus city early on Thursday, local sources of the city said.
In the latest crackdown, four academics from al-Najah University were arrested from their houses during overnight raids by the security forces which are loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah.
The pro-Abbas forces also stormed the houses to arrest two senior academics, who were not in the house, their families said. The forces left warrants at the houses.
According to observers, the escalating detentions in Nablus were a result of a fresh crackdown that Hamas launched in the Gaza Strip against Fatah supporters and members. Hamas also shut down dozens of non-governmental organizations it considers affiliated with Fatah.
The Gaza crackdown followed a mysterious explosion on the beach of Gaza city in which a girl and five members of Hamas armed wing were killed. Hamas accused Fatah of standing behind the blast.
In June 2007, Hamas ousted Fatah after deadly fighting in the Gaza Strip, taking over control of the coastal enclave.