Hamas detains rights workers as it disperses Gaza protests

Palestinian rights groups say Hamas briefly detained four of their researchers as it dispersed protests in Gaza against recent tax hikes.

Hundreds of Gazans gathered for a third day on Saturday to protest the tax hikes, which have made life even harder in the territory.

Gaza has been under an Israeli and Egyptian blockade since Hamas seized power more than a decade ago.

Two researchers from the Al-Mezan rights group, one from the Palestinian Center for Human Rights and one from Al-Dameer were held for a few hours before being released. Online videos show Hamas forces raiding homes, attacking protesters with clubs and firing into the air.

Several Palestinian factions have signed a statement urging Hamas to stop its crackdown and lower the taxes.

Israel and Egypt imposed a blockade on Gaza after Hamas seized power in 2007, and the closures, coupled with mismanagement by Hamas authorities, have devastated the local economy. Hamas tax hikes have sparked further outrage.