Hamas disperses anti-Assad protest in Gaza

[oberliner]

Hamas police forces in the Gaza Strip dispersed a protest on Tuesday night against the Syrian government's deadly crackdown on protesters.

The protest was meant to demonstrate solidarity with Palestinian refugees who have fled the city of Latakia, which has been under attack by Syrian military forces in recent days.

Hamas' official justification for dispersing the protest, which was attended by 150 people, was that organizers had not received a permit to hold it.

Thousands of refugees have fled the western coastal region of Syria this week, including the al-Ramel refugee camp in Latakia. Many have fled to villages in northern Lebanon, due to the fear of violence and arrests.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/hamas-disperses-anti-assad-protest-in-gaza-1.379129

[King_David]

1. Hamas toes Syrian line on anti-Assad protests

AMMAN, April 2 (Reuters) - The Palestinian group Hamas sent its support on Saturday to Syria's ruling hierarchy and said unprecedented protests against President Bashar al-Assad's rule must not compromise Syria "rejectionist" stand against Israel.

In the first public reaction to protests demanding political freedoms and end to corruption in Syria, during which at least 60 people have been killed, the Iranian- and Syrian- backed Islamist group toed the official Syrian line, saying the stability of Syria was priority.

http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/hamas-toes-syrian-line-on-anti-assad-protests/

(This was April of course )

[King_David]

2. Analysis: Assad puts Hamas in corner over Syrian assault

Group has been silent over attacks on Palestinian refugees in Syria; Speculation still lingering that Hamas leaders may leave Damascus.
Talkbacks ()
GAZA - Syria's crackdown on government opponents has deeply embarrassed Hamas, which is anxious not to anger its backers in Damascus while at the same time hoping not to alienate its supporters at home.

Syrian President Bashar Assad's five-month purge of protesters has gathered pace since the start of August, causing thousands of Palestinians to flee a refugee camp in the city of Latakia this week as Syrian security forces attacked the area.

http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=234167

[bemildred]

3. Dumb ass move on Hamas' part. nt

[King_David]

4. I wonder if UNHRC will set up an inquiry on Syrian actions

Similar to Goldstone ?

[bemildred]

5. Similar to Mubarak is more like it.

Or the much anticipated Ghaddaffi trial.