Gaza's Azhar University shuts down fearing clashes

[oberliner]

Gaza – Ma’an – The administration of Al-Azhar University in Gaza suspended classes on Wednesday to avoid clashes between students affiliated to rival Palestinian factions, a statement said.

The Fatah-linked University said the decision was made after the Hamas-aligned Islamic student bloc insisted on holding a political festival on campus, coinciding with the founding of the Hamas movement 22 years ago.

A statement from the administration said Islamic Bloc supporters raised Hamas flags and plastered slogans and photos on the walls at the campus without consulting the dean of students.

A spokesman for the Islamic Bloc, Hani Muqbil, denounced the administration’s statement, asserting that there were no such plans to hold a festival on campus.

“Supporters of the Islamic Bloc raised Hamas flags and gathered on campus to congratulate Hamas commemorating its 22nd anniversary. There were no plans to hold any political festivals,” Muqbil told Ma’an.

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