GAZA: NINE KILLED IN FATAH-HAMAS CLASHES; ABBAS

UNCLAS JERUSALEM 002364 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE, NSC FOR ABRAMS/SINGH/WATERS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV KWBG PTER IS PREL SUBJECT: GAZA: NINE KILLED IN FATAH-HAMAS CLASHES; ABBAS DECLARES 3 DAYS OF MOURNING ¶1. (SBU) Summary. Nine Fatah members were killed and at least 60 were injured on November 12 after Hamas police opened fire on a Gaza City commemoration of Yasser Arafat's death that drew 200,000 Palestinians. Fatah leaders report that Hamas police stationed on rooftops opened fire on the crowd, while Hamas media outlets said the clashes erupted when Fatah activists threw stones at Hamas police and Fatah gunmen fired at rooftop Hamas policemen from al-Azhar University. President Mahmud Abbas (Abu Mazen) declared a three-day mourning period, and Fatah leaders organized anti-Hamas protests throughout the West Bank November 12-13. End summary. Hamas Police Kill 9 at Fatah Rally to Commemorate Yasser Arafat's Death -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Fatah contacts and Gaza hospitals report nine Fatah members were killed, at least 60 were injured, and dozens were arrested after Hamas police fired on a November 12 Gaza City rally attended by 200,000 Palestinians to commemorate the third anniversary of Yasser Arafat's death. Fatah contacts say the rally proceeded at al-Khatiba Square without incident, even as organizer Ahmad Hillis and Fatah Central Committee (FCC) member Zakariya al-Agha lashed out at "Hamas mutineers' oppression in the Gaza Strip" and said Fatah will continue to lead Palestinians to their destiny. However, Fatah leaders report that Hamas police opened fire from rooftops as the speeches concluded and tried to disperse marchers with clubs. ¶3. (SBU) Hamas media outlets said the clashes erupted when Fatah activists threw stones at Hamas police and Fatah gunmen opened fire from the grounds of al-Azhar University at rooftop Hamas policemen, injuring 4 of them. Hamas spokesman Islam Shahwan told local press that Hamas approved the rally in advance, but alleged that "Fatah gunmen shot at Hamas police on direct orders from Mukhabarat chief Tawfiq Tirawi." Abbas Declares Mourning Period -------------- ¶4. (SBU) President Abbas declared a three-day mourning period starting November 13. The FCC issued a statement November 12 calling for a general strike and protests against Hamas. Fatah leaders held large rallies in West Bank cities November 12-13. WALLES