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Hamas Detains Hundreds after Violently Suppressing Gaza Demonstrations
(Ha'aretz) Amira Hass - Hamas security forces in Gaza violently suppressed demonstrations by hundreds of Palestinians on Thursday and Friday, protesting the deteriorating economic situation under its rule. An independent Palestinian source estimates that 500 people were held in detention on Saturday evening. Demonstrations were dispersed with live fire into the air, clubs, metal rods and pepper spray, Palestinian human rights organizations said. Journalists, some of whom were beaten and detained, were forbidden from documenting the demonstrations and had their phones confiscated. Samir Zaqout, deputy director of the Gaza-based Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, said: "The demonstrations are part of the response to this difficult situation, especially among young people. There is massive emigration, mainly to Turkey, and some are walking up to the border fence. Young people look for death there, saying they have nothing to live for." Demonstrators demanded that the Hamas government reverse extra taxes recently imposed on basic products.