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GAZA, March 15-- Hundreds of Palestinians demonstrated on Friday in the Gaza Strip for the second day in a row against the worsening economic situation in the coastal enclave that Hamas has been ruling since 2007. Palestinian factions and political groups also denounced the use of force by Hamas security forces against the peaceful protesters against the high cost of living. Eyewitnesses said the police of the Hamas-run Ministry of Interior forcibly dispersed the protesters, mainly in the central Gaza Strip town of Deir el-Ballah. Dozens of protesters burned tires and blocked the main streets, chanting slogans calling for better living situation, they added. Social media activists published photos and video clips showing Hamas police beating demonstrators. The protests broke out on Thursday in the Palestinian refugee camp of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip and in Deir el-Ballah. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party said in a press statement that the use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrators "is condemned," adding "attacking people and journalists is a big shame and barbarian." Meanwhile, Yehia Musa, a Hamas lawmaker, wrote on his Facebook page that Hamas leaders should hold a press conference and announce that it accepts the demonstrators' demands. "We don't need demonstrations and we don't need security intervention. It's the right of everyone to express his opinion and to demonstrate, where security forces role is to protect them," said Musa. | 
