Palestinian sources in Nablus reported Tuesday that one Hamas operativewas critically injured, and nine others were lightly to moderately wounded, by Fatah gunfire near an-Najah University in Nablus.
The clashes began after Hamas-affiliated students put up anti-Fatah fliers slamming the recent arrests of Hamas operatives in the city.
In response, dozens of Shabiba members – the Fatah youth movement on campus – started rioting.
University security personnel quickly arrived on the scene, firing warning shots in the air. At that time, dozens of al-Aqsa gunmen (Fatah's military wing) stormed the campus and opened fire on Hamas members.
Fatah members in Nablus told Ynet that the act was a clear provocation by Hamas, who had been warned by the university to stop distributing inciteful materials.
Following the altercation, the university suspended all classes and asked the students to leave the grounds and return to their homes.
Hamas politburo chief Khaled Mashaal had recently warned Fatah against underestimating Hamas' strength in the West Bank.
A statement issued by Hamas a few days ago warned the Palestinian Authority that the organization was "losing patience" with the mass arrests of its members.
About a month ago, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a presidential decree banning the bearing of arms by those unauthorized to do so.