(RAMALLAH) - Human Rights Watch urged the European Union and United States on Thursday to cut aid to the Palestinian Authority after security forces broke up up a pro-Egypt rally on the West Bank.

It was the second time in four days that the security forces had broken up a rally in support of the Egyptian uprising, while Gaza's Hamas rulers also came under criticism for quashing a similar demonstration in the Strip.

The rebuke came after police and security forces stormed a group of about 150 people demonstrating peacefully in Ramallah late on Wednesday, using batons and tear gas to disperse them, the human rights watchdog and organisers said.

"Police punched, kicked and detained participants in the demonstration, as well as at least two journalists and a HRW research assistant," Human Rights Watch said in a statement, adding that the police "began beating demonstrators without warning."

One of the organisers told AFP the demonstration had been planned several hours in advance using Facebook, Twitter and text messages.

"The PA's suppression is but a continuation of its crackdown on activists and anyone expressing dissent," he said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "It is a clear violation of our basic rights."

Palestinian security forces defended their actions, saying the protest had not received a permit.

"Freedom of expression is guaranteed within the framework of the law ... but we will not allow the situation of chaos," spokesman Adnan al-Dameery told AFP.

Police in Ramallah broke up a similar rally on Sunday. The next day, Hamas police scattered a demonstration in Gaza City, briefly arresting six women protestors.

"The US and the EU should suspend aid to Palestinian Authority security forces unless the Palestinian authorities take appropriate measures to end such abuses and allow Palestinians to enjoy their rights to freedom of assembly and expression," Huamn Rights Watch said.

Sarah Leah Whitson, head of the organization's Middle East and North Africa division, said those behind the violence should be prosecuted.

"The PA should take action against the responsible police officers or the US and EU should find another use for their taxpayers' money," she said.

Every year, the European Union and the United States provide hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to train and equip the Palestinian security forces.