Extremist Muslim group Hizb ut-Tahrir held what appeared to be a peaceful demonstration in Gaza City yesterday, and Hamas went in with batons and live fire to break it up.
According to reports, Hamas injured a large number of demonstrators by beating them, and one 7-year old child is in serious condition, now in the intensive care unit of Shifa Hospital.For some reason, there were no Code Pink or ISM or Viva Palestina activists on hand to witness or report on the brutal beatings of peaceful demonstrators by the Hamas forces. Nothing on their websites about this incident where they can rail against the violence of the security forces, and no vigils for the health of the injured.
I'm sure that it is only a matter of time, though, before these groups courageously call for an end to routine Hamas violence against Gazans.
Because, after all, they care about the welfare of Palestinian Arabs above all and they live to publicize all violations of Palestinian human rights.
I'm equally sure that Reuters and AP are now watching the situation carefully to make sure that they are on the scene to take photos and video next time this happens, and that they are kicking themselves over having missed the story while their photographers take it easy between the each Friday's Bil'in and Nilin demonstrations.