Palestinian Authority warns Hamas activists against 35th anniversary celebrations after deadly Israel assaults

The Palestinian Authority (PA) has warned Hamas activists in the occupied West Bank against celebrations for the movement's 35th anniversary, according to Israeli media reports, after repeated violent assaults by Israeli forces.

PA security officials summoned dozens of Hamas activists and leaders to deliver its warning, according to The New Arab's Arabic sister site, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.

Palestinian sources said the PA doesn't intend to prevent commemorations in West Bank universities, which comes as security forces attempt to reassert their control following repeated Israeli raids in the occupied territories.

Hamas was founded on 14 December 1987.

A Hamas member has been reportedly detained by the PA for allegedly preparing explosive devices.

It comes amid allegations Palestinian security had in recent days carried out a widespread campaign of political summons and arrests in the West Bank.

Yahya Qarout, the head of Birzeit University's student council, which is led by Hamas's student wing, the Islamic Bloc, told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed Palestinian security services had summoned more than 30 students for interrogation in the past two weeks.

They were warned against participating in the Islamic Bloc's activities, particularly those expected on the anniversary of Hamas's founding.

Nine students remain detained, according to Qarout.

The Committee of Families of Political Detainees said it had monitored over 40 violations, including against students, by PA security within 48 hours, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported on Monday.

The committee said it had monitored 11 cases of political arrest, 18 summonses and six cases of extended detention, in addition to the storming of five homes.

PA Minister for Local Government Magdi Al-Saleh held Hamas fully responsible for the impact of the floods in Gaza, due to its refusal to hold municipal elections. Hamas' boycott means that the PA is withholding funds needed to repair infrastructure.https://t.co/zrZIug2x1N

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Hamas on Sunday condemned West Bank security services for preventing events commemorating the anniversary of its foundation.

In a statement, the group slammed what it called "desperate attempts" to stop the anniversary activities, describing them as a "failure".

It decried a campaign of arrests and summonses by Palestinian security and Israeli forces, which it alleged was coordinated, against Hamas supporters in the West Bank.

The PA has prevented Hamas activists from holding events and activities in the West Bank, with universities a partial exception, since the group took control in Gaza in 2007.

That year Hamas fought rival Palestinian group Fatah, which dominates the PA, winning control of the Strip.

The Islamist movement won the most seats in 2006 Palestinian parliamentary elections, results that were fiercely opposed by the West.

Hamas has announced it will organise an anniversary celebration in Gaza City on Wednesday, under the slogan: "Towards Jerusalem, we are coming with a roaring flood."