Global General
Hamas celebrates 22nd anniversary in Gaza
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-12-15 04:19
GAZA: Tens of thousands of Hamas supporters rallied on Monday in Al-Katiba square, southwestern Gaza, to mark the 22nd anniversary of founding the Islamic movement.
Hamas blocked roads leading to al-Katiba from the early morning and only cars, buses, trucks and motorcycles carrying flag-wavers were allowed to cross roads leading to the square.
Ezz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, issued a statement on Monday morning summarizing its principles for the coming phase.
"Liberating Palestine is our goal, the resistance is our way, Jerusalem is our capital, refugees are our people who must return home and prisoners are Palestine's heroes who we are working to free as our priority," the statement said.
Over the past week, Hamas supporters have put green flags on lampposts and almost all junctions under its control throughout the coastal strip.
Hamas' supporters posted the portraits of the group leaders on walls, especially late spiritual leader and founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin.
