Many injured in Gaza clashes

GAZA, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- At least 70 people were wounded Friday in Gaza during clashes between a Hamas-affiliated militia known as the Executive Force and Fatah supporters.

The Fatah supporters were having noon prayer services outdoors in several locations to protest what they said the politicization of preaching by Hamas, The Palestinian News Agency WAFA reported.

Local sources told WAFA that Hamas militants opened fire to prevent worshipers from conducting Friday prayers in Gaza City, Jabaliya, Khoza'a and Abasan in Khan Younis.

The militia reportedly broke in the headquarters of the PLO executive committee in Gaza City and abducted committee members.

They also allegedly beat and abducted journalists covering the clash, WAFA reported.

Last Friday 20 people were wounded when members of the Executive Force tried to disperse worshipers.