Thousands rally for Hamas in Gaza

Palestinian security forces clash with supporters of the ruling Hamas party in the West Bank city of Ramallah yesterday. Twenty-six people were injured, one critically, when police blocked hundreds of pro-Hamas demonstrators from marching on the city's central square after Juma prayers. PHOTO: AFP

Supporters came from across the Gaza Strip to hear Hamas leaders, including Palestinian prime minister Ismail Haniya, speak to the crowds of people waving green flags and portraits of top figures in the ruling party.

The show of force comes after gunmen attacked Haniya's convoy Thursday night, killing one of his bodyguards and wounding his son, as the Islamist premier returned from a fundraising trip to Arab countries and Iran.

Hamas accused its Fatah rivals of trying to assassinate Haniya, charges which Fatah denied.