Hamas calls off anniversary celebrations

Hamas has denied that the cancellation of its big anniversary celebration in the Gaza Strip is the result of declining popularity or financial problems.
A Palestinian boy and his militant father take part in a military parade marking the first anniversary of the eight-day conflict with Israel, in Gaza City November 14, 2013. The Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas looked to project an image of strength in Gaza on Thursday, organising one of its largest ever military parades to mark the first anniversary of an eight-day conflict with Israel. REUTERS/Suhaib Salem (GAZA - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) - RTX15DMK
A Palestinian boy and his militant father take part in a military parade marking the first anniversary of the eight-day conflict with Israel in Gaza City, Nov. 14, 2013. - REUTERS/Suhaib Salem
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Asmaa al-Ghoul
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GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Hamas usually celebrates its anniversary on Dec. 14, marking its founding on that date in 1987. This year, however, the Islamic Resistance Movement decided to cancel its 26th anniversary festivities.

Ashraf Abu Zayed, head of the Hamas public action department, said in a statement to local news agencies on Nov. 29 that Hamas replaced the central festival — scheduled for Dec. 14 —  with other small-scale activities in all governorates of the Gaza Strip, given the tight blockade.

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