Factions of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) Thursday urged Gaza Strip residents to hold Friday prayers in public squares in defiance of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas).

In a statement sent to the press, the factions considered a Hamas religious rule, prohibiting prayers in public, a political decision.

The sacked Hamas government, which is still ruling Gaza Strip after seizing its control from the rival Fatah movement, threatened to prevent the prayers and arrest the participants.

Members and supporters of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement boycott Friday's prayers that are held inside mosques where Hamas-affiliated Imams preach.

Last Friday, Hamas executive forces policing the Gaza Strip reportedly beat and detained scores of Fatah supporters for marching on the streets after they prayed.

But this time, Hamas administration decided to prevent the prayers from the beginning and a Hamas clerk issued a Fatwa saying such ceremony was forbidden according to the Islam instructions.

Eissa Qaraqe', a Fatah lawmaker, said Hamas Fatwa was a clear declaration of exploiting the religion in politics and a real danger threatening the Palestinian people's unity.

"There has never been a Fatwa in Arabic or Islamic history preventing the people from praying wherever they want. This means Hamas uses the religion for political goals," he added.