Hamas regrets PA persecution of demos

RAMALLAH, (PIC)-- Ra'fat Nassif, one of Hamas's political leaders in the West Bank, has expressed regret over the PA security apparatuses' obstruction of popular demonstrations against the Israeli massacre in Gaza, beating up participants and arresting a number of them. Nassif, in a press release on Saturday, said that such practices only harmed the image of the Palestinian people and ran contrary to national duty that calls for boosting national solidarity. He said that such practices also contradict the PA leadership's announcement on ending media campaigns other than the call for dialog. Nassif welcomed any declaration that would boost national interest, stressing that it should be certified through practices in the field. He called in this regard for releasing all political detainees, halting restrictions on freedom of expression and ending political detention.