Tens of thousands pack Gaza in show of support for Hamas (1st Lead)

Dec 15, 2009, 12:03 GMT

Gaza City - Tens of thousands of people packed a Gaza City square Monday in a show of support for Hamas, as the Islamist group attempted to prove that its popularity has not wavered despite Israeli efforts to isolate it.

Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, has pulled out all stops to ensure a large turnout. As the rally got underway, al-Katiba square was transformed into a sea of green by supporters waving Hamas flags. Police allowed only cars, buses, trucks and motorcycles carrying enthusiasts to approach the area.

The event seeks to counter speculation that support for the group has dropped as a result of the Israeli blockade of the Strip and last winter's deadly Israeli offensive in the salient.

Schools closed early so pupils could attend the gathering, and Hamas organized buses to bring participants from all over the Gaza Strip.

Posters of Hamas leaders, mainly founder Ahmed Yassin, killed by Israel in 2004, were also prominently displayed, as were portraits of Said Siam and Nezar Rayyan, two senior Hamas leaders killed in the Israeli offensive last winter.

Senior Hamas leaders occupied the front seats at the rally. Ismail Haniya, whom West Bank-based president Mahmoud Abbas deposed as premier in June 2007, was scheduled to address the crowd.

The movement has promised to unveil a 'surprise' at the rally. Some observers speculated this might be connected to a deal currently being negotiated to exchange an Israeli soldier held in the Strip for three-and-a-half years for Palestinians held in Israeli jails.

Others said it was possible the movement, which refuses to recognize Israel or renounce violence, could unveil a new type of rocket capable of reaching deeper into Israel than the missiles usually launched from the enclave.

Hamas' armed wing, the Ezz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigade, meanwhile issued a statement of its own, summarizing its own agenda.

'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 group said.