Huge crowd at Hamas anniversary rally in Nablus

The Islamic Resistance Movement has held a 25th anniversary commemoration rally in Nablus. An estimated 10,000 people took part in the first such event since 2007 organised by Hamas in the occupied West Bank.

The Secretary of the Fatah Revolutionary Council, Amin Maqboul, members of the Palestinian Legislative Council belonging to Hamas and Fatah, and Nablus Governor, Jibrin al-Bakri, were among those taking part.

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Speaking on behalf of Hamas, Hosni al-Borini emphasised the need for resistance and national unity. He pointed out that the issue of Palestinians being held in Israeli jails is a priority, and extended his greetings and support to those prisoners on hunger strike.

In a highly symbolic reconciliatory gesture, Mr. Maqboul told the crowd, “We would not be here together if it were not for the blessed hands that taught the Israeli occupation forces a harsh lesson in Gaza and achieved a glorious victory.”

He explained that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas “will send an invitation to the Supreme Commission of the Liberation Organisation and will meet with the head of the political bureau of Hamas, Khaled Meshaal, to announce the end of the split and commend the efforts of reconciliation.”