Thousands protest in Gaza calling for Palestinian unity

[News_Editor]

Thousands protest in Gaza calling for Palestinian unity

2011-03-15 23:12:03 GMT+7 (ICT)

GAZA (BNO NEWS) -- Thousands of Palestinians on Tuesday took the streets of Gaza city calling for unity and an end to the division between the two main political factions, Hamas and Rafah, the Ma'an news agency reported.

Most of the pro-unity protesters gathered at the Gaza's Unknown Soldier Square. The demonstration was staged by young people who called the rallies the "March 15 Youth Movement."

Protesters set up tents in Ramallah since Monday night and some were in a hunger strike too. Youth groups in the West Bank and Gaza called for the protests to remain focused on unity and feared that political parties may use protests for their own ends.

The objective of the demonstrations was demanding the end of Palestinian political division through elections that include all Palestinians. A Hamas-organized rally later arrived at the Unknown Soldier Square and the youth demonstrators moved to Khatib Square.

In Ramallah, approximately 3,000 people rallied at the Manara Circle while the Palestinian Authority deployed security forces to safeguard the demonstration. Some Fatah flags were seen at the protest despite the organizers' call for using Palestinian flags only in the events.

The Palestinian factions, Fatah and Hamas, vowed to not intervene and that the protesters will be treated with respect. Authorities said that they supported the demonstration as it showed the desire of the people of ending the disagreement.

In February, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas announced the dissolution of the cabinet in an attempt to ensure domestic stability. He also announced that next September the long overdue elections will be held if all factions participate.

President Abbas has been criticized for the poor functioning of his government as well as the stalled talks with Israel in order to achieve peace ion the region and establish a Palestinian state.

The Palestinian Authority has a limited mandate in the occupied West Bank as it lost control of the Gaza Strip to Hamas in 2007, the Islamist group which rejects permanent co-existence with Israel.

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