Hamas marks 30th anniversary at low point of Gaza rule | NZ Herald

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas marked the 30th anniversary of its founding with a mass rally of many thousands of supporters Thursday, staging a show of strength at a low point in the Islamic militant group’s history.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said in a combative speech that the U.S. and Israel have found themselves isolated following President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Hamas has called for a new Palestinian uprising against Israel in response to that recognition.

“We salute the beginning of rage, intifada and revolution,” Haniyeh told the large crowd that filled a sprawling lot known as al-Katiba Square.

Trump’s decision last week has triggered Palestinian protests in the West Bank and Gaza, including some that escalated into deadly clashes with Israeli troops, but it remains unclear whether widespread Palestinian anger at the U.S. will lead to a full-fledged uprising.

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