100s demonstrate in Ramallah in support of Egyptians

PA had banned protests against Mubarak, demonstrators show support, demand regime change in Cairo, condemn "repressive" gov't measures.

By KHALED ABU TOAMEH
Anti-Mubarak protests in Ramallah (photo credit: AP)
Anti-Mubarak protests in Ramallah
(photo credit: AP)
For the first time since the beginning of the uprising in Egypt, the Palestinian Authority allowed Palestinians in the West Bank to demonstrate in support of the Egyptian protesters.
Carrying Egyptian flags, hundreds of Palestinians marched in Ramallah Saturday, chanting slogans in support of the uprising.
RELATED:PA launches pro-Mubarak demonstration in Ramallah
The demonstrators condemned the Egyptian authorities’ “repressive” measures against the anti-government protesters in Egypt and voiced their support for the Egyptian people’s demand for regime change.
The demonstration in Ramallah was held despite a ban by the PA on demonstrations in the West Bank.
On Wednesday, the PA organized a small demonstration in support of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
A few hours later, dozens of Palestinians took to the streets of Ramallah in another demonstration, this time against Mubarak. PA policemen broke up the demonstration and briefly detained some of the protesters.
A similar demonstration was also held in Bethlehem.
PA President Mahmoud Abbas, meanwhile, reiterated his readiness to hold elections and end the power struggle between his Fatah faction and Hamas.
“Elections are inevitable,” Abbas said. “This is an essential case and we must show interest in it.”
Abbas said that the Fatah-Hamas dispute was a “disgrace” for the Palestinians.