Gaza, December 14, 2009 (Pal Telegraph) - Huge crowds gather in Gaza today to commemorate Hamas's 22nd anniversary in a massive show of public support.
Gaza is decked out in green, with Hamas flags fluttering from roofs, cars and everywhere in Gaza Strip. Gazans were admonished to attend a mass rally after Muslim midday prayers by Hamas' radio and TV stations.
Shortly after last year's anniversary, which drew tens of thousands of supporters in Gaza, the Israeli occupation launched its offensive on Gaza, mainly to dislodge Hamas movement. However, the casualties were mostly civilians and children. Since a year Gaza has been suffering from the offensive consequences.
Critics from Fatah expressed dissatisfaction over the celebrations which was described as unfit in such conditions. The Hamas celebration was criticized by some medical sources as it comes while swine flue is storming Gaza.
Ismail Haniyeh, the prime minister of Hamas-run government, said "The Israeli occupation failed in its war and did not achieve any of its goals"
Meanwhile, hundreds of Hamas activists and supporters in the West Bank have been detained by the Palestinian Authority security forces, where they were requested to sign a document in which they pledge to abstain from publicly celebrating the 22nd anniversary of the founding of Hamas.
The Hamas celebration comes amid turbulent conditions in the Palestinian territories. Split with Fatah is still taking place and negotiation failed.
A siege has been placed on Gaza for the past years as Hamas refused to recognize Israel. Meanwhile, since Hamas came to power in 2006, no considerable changes have been made for Palestinians.
Hamas movement was established by Sheikh Ahmed Yasin in 1987 accompanied by the Palestinian Intifada where all Palestinian factions from the left to the right participated in.
Shortly after last year's anniversary, which drew tens of thousands of supporters in Gaza, the Israeli occupation launched its offensive on Gaza, mainly to dislodge Hamas. Since a year Gaza has been suffering from the offensive consequences.
Ismail Haniyeh, the prime minister of Hamas-run government, said "The Israeli occupation failed in its war and did not achieve any of its goals"
Meanwhile, hundreds of Hamas activists and supporters in the West Bank have been detained by the Palestinian Authority security forces, where they were requested to sign a document in which they pledge to abstain from publicly celebrating the 22nd anniversary of the founding of Hamas.
The Hamas celebration comes amid trubulent condtions in the Palestinian terrtories. Split with Fatah is still
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