Israeli police had to use force to break up an illegal gathering of Hamas representatives and members of Israel's Islamic Movement in eastern Jerusalem on Wednesday night.

After participants refused police orders to disperse, a stun grenade was thrown at the building and officers dragged several of the Islamists from the premises.

In addition to being recognized as a terrorist organization, Hamas is a legal representative of the Palestinian Authority, which is forbidden by the terms of various peace agreements signed with Israel to operate in Jerusalem.

Islamic Movement leader Sheikh Raed Salah organized the strategy session, despite already facing trial for inciting violence against his Jewish countrymen. Salah has served jail time in the past for using his organization to funnel money to Hamas.

Apparently fearing a Muslim backlash, Israel National News reported that police did not arrest any of the meeting's participants.