Abbas and Dahlan supporters clash in Gaza

Hand-to-hand fighting erupted in Gaza on Sunday between supporters of PA President Mahmoud Abbas and the disgraced Fatah strongman Mohamed Dahlan, Safa has reported.

Eyewitnesses told the news agency that the supporters from the Fatah factions clashed during a Workers’ Day celebration. Police responded immediately and reported that a number of light injuries were sustained. None of the witnesses or, indeed, the police appear to know the real reason behind the clashes, which started with verbal abuse and developed into fist-fights.

One local journalist pointed out that such clashes between the two factions of the ruling Fatah movement are common. Accusations are traded that each side is cheating the country and its people. Several clashes have taken place at Al-Azhar University in Gaza City, which is a stronghold of the Fatah student bloc.

The differences between Abbas and Dahlan started during the lifetime of Yasser Arafat. Each has made covert accusations that the other was responsible for the late president’s death.

Dahlan was expelled from Fatah over charges of corruption. His position in the Palestinian parliament was also revoked. He has since found a wealthy and influential backer in the government of the UAE.