Gaza marks Fatah's 48th anniversaryRival Palestinian factions continue trying to mend fences as Hamas allows first Fatah rally in Gaza City since 2007. Legions gather in Saraya square; other cities across Gaza
Elior Levy, Roi Kais
This was the first Fatah rally held in the Strip since Hamas violently took control of it in 2007, essentially splitting the Palestinian Authority in two. Several senior Fatah officials, from both Gaza and the West Bank, are expected to speak in the rally, which is held under the watchful eye of hundreds of Hamas security forces.  (Video: Reuters)Traditionally bitter rivals, Hamas and Fatah's reconciliation attempts over the years have been short-lived. Recently however, and following the PA's successful status upgrade gambit in the UN, the two ruling Palestinian factions have been trying to mend fences. Ramallah had recently allowed a rare – and massive – Hamas rally to be held in Nablus. Friday's Fatah rally in Gaza is apparently meant to be a reciprocal gesture. According to the Palestinian news agency Maan, crowds began gathering in Saraya square in Gaza City on Thursday night.  Show of force for Fatah. Gaza City (Photo: EPA) Ramallah had recently allowed a rare – and massive – Hamas rally to be held in Nablus. Friday's Fatah rally in Gaza is apparently meant to be a reciprocal gesture. According to the Palestinian news agency Maan, crowds began gathering in Saraya square in Gaza City on Thursday night. Abbas' supporters were waiving Fatah flags and chanting the party's slogans. Fatah traditionally marks its anniversary on January 1, in honor of the first guerrilla operation it claimed against Israel, which took place in 1965. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4328486,00.html http://struggling1.blogspot.com/ AFP contributed to this report | ||||||||
Friday, January 4, 2013
Gaza marks Fatah's 48th anniversary
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