RAMALLAH, West Bank — On Aug. 23, former Fatah leader Ahmed Abu al-Ezz Halawa was beaten to death by Palestinian security forces in Nablus, in the northern West Bank. His killing has sparked anger against the government, which was reflected in thousands of people, including Fatah leaders and members, taking part in his funeral Aug. 28. During the funeral, slogans were chanted against Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah and Nablus Governor Akram Rajoub, calling for their dismissal from their posts. This stance was also endorsed by Halawa’s family and a number of Fatah leaders.
Fatah member of parliament Najat Abu Bakr, who took part in the funeral, told Al-Monitor, “Fatah has serious reservations on the government's performance and practices, the latest of which was the killing of Halawa.” She added, “Halawa’s wife told me in person that Hamdallah is primarily responsible for the killing of her husband.”
