Palestinian rally (Archive photo)
Photo: AFP
Thousands attend pro-Syria rally in Gaza
Protest organized by Islamic Jihad; demonstrators express support for Hizbullah, Syria. Hamas leader says intra-Palestinian talks may fail
GAZA - Thousands of Palestinians attended a rally in support of Syria and the Hizbullah Friday in Gaza.
The rally was organized by the Islamic Jihad and followed Friday prayer sessions. Protestors expressed their support for Lebanon’s pro-Syrian regime and called on Damascus to stand up to international pressure.
The protestors also expressed their support for Hizbullah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah and called on the group to continue fighting against Israel and resist calls to disarm.
The demonstrators said international pressures exerted on Syria and the Hizbullah are meant to serve Israel’s interests.
Hamas leader pessimistic
Senior figures in the Islamic Jihad delivered speeches during the rally and also praised the Hizbullah and Syria.
Another rally is expected to be held in Gaza Friday to mark the first anniversary of Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin’s assassination by Israel. The event has been scheduled for Friday even though Yassin was killed on March 22, 2004.
Meanwhile, Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Zahar says he is uncertain whether the intra-Palestinian cease-fire dialogue would be concluded successfully.
The remarks were made following a meeting between Hamas leaders and Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.
The talks’ success and the continued calm in the PA are shrouded in uncertainty due to the continuation of Israeli aggression, al-Zahar said.
