Hamas, Fatah Supporters Clash

  13 March 2005

Hundreds of student supporters of the militant group Hamas have clashed with those backing the ruling Fatah party of Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.

Witnesses say the massive brawl erupted Sunday when several hundred Fatah backers at the West Bank's Hebron University started shouting their own party's slogans in the midst of a large Hamas campaign rally for student council elections.

Hospital officials say at least eight people were injured.

Hamas, the largest and most powerful Palestinian militant group, has emerged as a key player in Palestinian politics. On Saturday, the Islamic group announced it will end a nearly decade-long boycott and take part in Palestinian parliamentary elections in July.

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