Fatah and Hamas Join for Demonstration

In a rare show of unity, Palestinians aligned with the Fatah and Hamas factions joined together for a joint demonstration protesting an Israeli military order allowing Palestinians to be expelled from the West Bank. The order now in effect allows the expulsion from the West Bank of Palestinians who lack proper identification cards. Israel counters that the new measure only applies only to those in the West Bank illegally and will improve administrative oversight of deportations to the benefit of Palestinians. The protest took place at Beit Hanoun, near the Erez crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip. On Saturday, a demonstration by Palestinians protesting Israel’s ban on anyone approaching the border fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip turned violent when participants refused to honor the “no-go” zone declared by Israel’s military. None of the injuries was life-threatening.