Clashes between supporters of Abbas and Dahlan in Gaza universities

Several clashes have erupted between supporters of Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas and supporters of dismissed Fatah and PA senior leader Mohamed Dahlan in a number of universities in Gaza Strip, witnesses told Safa news agency.

The violence broke out after verbal abuse was exchanged during commemorations for the 11th anniversary of the death of Yasser Arafat at Al-Azhar University and Al-Quds Open University, both Fatah strongholds in Gaza.

Safa’s correspondent said that Palestinian police in Gaza stormed the two universities and dispersed the students without arresting anyone.

According to Safa, following the police interference the battle moved to social media as each side accused the other of collaboration with Israel and being involved in the conspiracy to kill Yasser Arafat.

In June 2011, Abbas dismissed Dahlan and turned him over to the PA’s Public Prosecutor on allegations of corruption