MEnewsline GAZA [MENL] -- The Palestinian Authority has been rocked by bloody student demonstrations in support of Saudi billionaire fugitive Osama Bin Laden.

Demonstrations in support of Bin Laden were reported in many areas of the Gaza Strip on Monday. Two people were killed during attempts by PA police to disperse the demonstrators.

The bloodiest protests came in Gaza City. Hundreds of university students, including armed members of the Islamic opposition, clashed with police. At least two civilians were killed and a dozen wounded.

Police sources said Islamic gunmen opened fire on officers outside Al Azhar University and the Islamic University in Gaza City. Islamic sources countered that police opened fire when they failed to disperse the demonstrators with tear gas.

PA authorities then ordered the closure of universities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Authorities also banned any television news coverage of pro-Bin Laden demonstrations.

The PA has refused to adopt a position on the U.S.-led military offensive on Afghanistan. PA Information Minister Yasser Abbed Rabbo said officials first wanted to determine the position of the Arab League.

-- Anonymous, October 10, 2001