Pro-Bin Laden riots in Gaza
turn violent
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Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Monday, October 8, 2001
GAZA Ñ The Palestinian Authority has been rocked by bloody student
demonstrations in support of Saudi fugitive Osama Bin Laden.
Demonstrations in support of Bin Laden were reported in many areas of
the Gaza Strip on Monday. Two people were killed during attempts by PA
police to disperse the demonstrators.
The bloodiest protests came in Gaza City. Hundreds of university
students, including armed members of the Islamic opposition, clashed with
police. At least two civilians were killed and a dozen wounded.
Police sources said Islamic gunmen opened fire on officers outside Al
Azhar University and the Islamic University in Gaza City. Islamic sources
countered that police opened fire when they failed to disperse the
demonstrators with tear gas.
PA authorities then ordered the closure of universities in the West Bank
and Gaza Strip. Authorities also banned any television news coverage of
pro-Bin Laden demonstrations.
The PA has refused to adopt a position on the U.S.-led military
offensive on Afghanistan. PA Information Minister Yasser Abbed Rabbo said
officials first wanted to determine the position of the Arab League.
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