Tens of thousands of people waving Hamas flags and escorting children dressed in military fatigues and green headbands took to the streets of Gaza City Sunday and Monday to celebrate 22 years of terror attacks on Israel by Hamas.
Anniversary festivities included a large public rally and some small parades. Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh and top official Mahmoud a-Zahar gave speeches, with the Iz al-Din al-Kassam terror cell marching in a parade.
"This movement liberated the Gaza Strip with the help of the militant factions," Haniyeh proclaimed before attendees. "Brothers and sisters, we will not be satisfied with Gaza," he said. "Hamas looks toward the whole of Palestine."
On Sunday, Hamas politburo chief Khaled Mashal met with Iranian President and Israel-condemner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who praised the organization and promised to "always stand by the Palestinians."
Since Operation Cast Lead – the 'victory' Hamas will celebrate next week – the terror organization has increased weapons smuggling and the digging of tunnels along the Philadelphi Corridor. Military analysts say the group now has Iranian-made rockets which can reach Tel Aviv, as well as a large new cache of anti-aircraft and anti-tank missiles.
Dr. Anat Kurtz, Director of Research at the Institute for National Security Studies, says despite Israel's calls to boycott Hamas, Israel unintentionally props it up by keeping communications lines open and engaging in diplomacy regarding issues such as kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.