GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – Tens of thousands of Palestinians, including hundreds of gunmen, are rallying in Gaza in support of the militant Islamic group Hamas that rules the territory, on the 29th anniversary of its founding.
Khalil Al-Hayya, a Hamas official, delivered a fiery speech at the rally Wednesday full of rhetoric against Israel. He also called for reconciliation with the Fatah party, led by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas — but only under Hamas' terms.
Hamas overtook Gaza in 2007 after routing troops loyal to Abbas in street battles. Palestinians have since been divided between Gaza under Hamas and Abbas governing parts of the West Bank.
Israel and Egypt imposed a blockade on Gaza after Hamas took over.
Hamas has fought three wars with Israel since 2007.