Hamas Anniversary Draws Both Celebration and Discomfort
Supporters of Hamas gathered in Gaza City on Sunday to mark the 21st anniversary of the Sunni organization’s founding. Presumably in recognition of the occasion, a meeting involving Israeli and Egyptian officials took place in Cairo in an attempt to seek renewal of the current ceasefire agreement between Hamas’ military apparatus and opposition forces in Gaza. Meanwhile, the atmosphere inside the stadium was electric, as an estimated 150,000 demonstrators fervently waved green flags (considered to be the traditional color of Islam) in what is perceived to be an intentional showcase of Hamas’ strength. Gazan Hamas leader Ismail Haniya is reported as saying “We tell the occupation and the world we are here steadfast on our land and we will defend ourselves and we will defend our land and we will defend our right.” If it was not a political rally, an objective observer might even have mistaken it for an athletic event due to the concerted effort to display symbols of loyalty throughout the venue. Some speculate that, though the rally serves to commemorate the group’s anniversary, its timing is also related to the reality that the ceasefire agreement may not be renewed. Both Hamas and the Israelis accuse the other side of failing to honor its side of the truce.
Paul Shapiro
