Following Friday’s noon prayers in Gaza City, a reported 20 people were injured when Hamas-affiliated Executive Committee Forces broke up Fateh demonstrators protesting what they called Hamas’ “politicization” of mosques.

Fateh had earlier called on its supporters to conduct Friday prayers in open public areas throughout Gaza City as a means of protest against what they said was Hamas’ persecution of its cadres, their arrest and torture in Hamas-run prisons. During the demonstration, protesters chanted anti-Hamas slogans and reportedly pelted Hamas-controlled buildings with stones.

The demonstrators, which took to Al Nasr Street in the city, were met with Executive Committee Forces, later joined by civilian clothed Hamas activists, who beat them back with nightsticks and clubs, injuring several people including two French journalists. The journalists were taken to the Shifa Hospital after being injured by shrapnel from sound bombs. Some of the demonstrators were also injured by gunshots.

Another journalist for the Palestinian News Agency, Sami Abu Salem, was severely beaten by Executive Committee forces. Eyewitnesses said the forces also tried to confiscate his camera but were stopped by the demonstrators.

Yesterday’s violence was condemned by President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, who said Hamas’ actions were aimed at “imposing a blind dictatorship” The statement released by his office also read, “The events in the Gaza Strip prove to everyone that the [Hamas] coup is nearing its end.”

The crackdown was also condemned by the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate. The union called on human rights organizations to back journalists and demanded the freedom of press in Palestine, calling the incident a crime against public freedoms, first and foremost, the freedom of expression.

Friday’s noon prayers throughout Gaza City and Rafah, which included thousands of people, was said to be the largest conglomeration of worshippers in the city since the Hamas takeover last June.