Violence may erupt, Hamas says

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By The Associated Press
Published: November 17, 2007

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Thousands of Hamas loyalists protested outside Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's Gaza City home Friday, warning that violence would erupt if he makes concessions to Israel in a U.S.-sponsored peace conference.

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The protest by about 10,000 followers of the militant group came just days after Hamas security shot and killed eight civilians at a large rally of Abbas' Western-backed Fatah party. The rally was Fatah's greatest show of strength since Hamas wrested control of the Gaza Strip in June.

In Friday's demonstration, the Hamas backers chanted slogans demanding Abbas not give in on the major issues in the conflict.

Khalil al-Haya, a Hamas leader, warned of violence if Palestinian rights over the Al Aqsa mosque in east Jerusalem are denied. Bloodshed will also result if Israel does not open Gaza's crossings with the outside world, he said. Israel closed the passages after Hamas' takeover of Gaza.


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Related Topics: Murder and Homicide, Crime, Politics, War and Conflict, Shootings, World Politics, Terrorism, Middle East Conflict, Islam, Protests and Demonstrations, Arab League Nations, Palestinian Politics


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