Mashaal decries Palestinian violence

32 wounded in Hamas-Fatah clashes; 100,000 Hamas supporters rally in Gaza.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
fatah hamas clash 298.8 (photo credit: AP [file])
fatah hamas clash 298.8
(photo credit: AP [file])
Hamas will not release kidnapped IDF Cpl. Gilad Shalit until Israel agrees to a concurrent release of Palestinian security prisoners sentenced to extended terms, Hamas official Halil El-Ahaya said Friday at a demonstration in Gaza City marking the 19th anniversary of Hamas's founding. Recent internecine Palestinian fighting cast a cloud over the group's celebrations, but some 100,000 Hamas supporters gathered Friday afternoon at a Gaza stadium nevertheless. After at least 32 people were wounded in clashes between Hamas and Fatah, Hamas leader-in-exile Khaled Mashaal sought to quell violent tensions between Palestinians on Friday, urging his organization to "practice restraint" and avoid being "dragged into a civil war."
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