The destroyed synagogue in the evacuated Gaza settlement of Netzarim is expected to be converted into a temporary Hamas museum in the next few days.
On Saturday members of Izz el-Din al-Qassam Brigades ,Hamas’ military wing, plan to set up an exhibit of the terror group’s “military industry” in what used to be a synagogue.
The exhibit is set to be on display for three days, and will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The group said in a statement that “all of the tools used by Izz el-Din al-Qassam Brigades to abolish the Gaza occupation will be on display.”
Hamas promises that visitors will be able to see all of the weapons, “from stones to instruments used in suicide attacks and the ‘tunnel war.’” Missiles and rockets will also be on display, the groups said.
The decision to use the synagogue for the display was not coincidental. Immediately following the IDF’s withdrawal from Gaza senior Hamas members said, “The synagogues are not religious structures, as they were built illegally."
Marching to West Bank settlements
The exhibit is part of Hamas’ show of strength, which is aimed a celebrating the army’s pullout, raising the group’s profile ahead of the upcoming Palestinian elections and warning all those who are considering to disqualify Hamas from participating in the general elections in accordance with Israel’s demand.
Palestinian Authority officials say Hamas is also trying to present itself as an alternative to the Authority with organized political and military branches.
Another military parade in celebration of the IDF’s withdrawal from the northern West Bank is set to take place in Jenin Wednesday. Organizers are planning a march from Jenin toward the nearby settlements of Ganim and Kadim, which were evacuated by the IDF on Tuesday.
Armed al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades (Fatah’s military wing) members as well as representatives of other terror groups are expected to lead the march. School children are also scheduled to participate in the celebrations.