Gaza Outdoor Prayer Ban Enforced

Hamas security forces have broken up crowds of Fatah supporters, who were gathering in defiance of a ban on open air Friday prayers across Gaza. According to medical sources, they say at least 11 people were taken to the hospital for treatment following the clashes. Last Friday there was the biggest protest yet against Hamas since the Islamist group seized control of Gaza in June.

Palestinian Democracy Falls

Palestinian democracy fell victim to bloody Hamas-Fatah struggle. President Mahoud Abbas rules the West Bank by decree. Hamas controls Garza with guns and parliament is paralyzed. Once seen as a model for the Arab world, Palestinian democracy has become the victim of a bloody power struggle between Abbas' Fatah movement and the Islamic militant Hamas.