Tens of thousands of Hamas supporters marked its 21st anniversary with an outdoor rally Sunday, and the show of strength included a play featuring a mock-captive Israeli soldier begging for his freedom. Hamas was founded in Gaza in December 1987, and seized control of the territory in June 2007.
According to the AP, the huge crowd filled an outdoor area that can hold at least 150,000 people, and nearby streets were also thronged with Hamas supporters. Many waved flags in Hamas' signature green color.
During a colorful ceremony that included songs and plays, Hamas loyalists paraded a mock-captive Israeli soldier, who in Hebrew begged to return home.
"I miss my Mom and Dad," said a Hamas loyalist, dressed in an Israeli soldier's uniform - in a clear reference to captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, seized by Hamas-backed fighters in June 2006.
"For those who made my children swallow a bitter drink, you will drink from the same cup," intoned a voiceover.
