An estimated 100,000 Hamas members and supporters participated on Friday in a rally organized by the Movement in north Gaza to commemorate the 29^th anniversary of its inception.

The event marked the initiation of a series of events and rallies to celebrate the 29^th anniversary of the foundation of Hamas on the 14^th of December 1987.

Hamas leader and member of the Movement’s political bureau Khalil al-Hayya asserted in his speech at the rally that 29 years after its inception Hamas remains strong and united and holds an unwavering commitment to resistance as the main option to confront the Israeli occupation and liberate Palestine.

He stressed the Movement’s rejection of all forms of normalization with the Israeli occupation.

“Hamas was and will always remain honest to its principles and people,” he underlined.

He noted that Hamas has managed to maintain balanced ties with the countries in the region and did not interfere with the internal affairs of states or get ­­entangled in regional conflicts.

“We call on all Arabs and Muslims to provide a dignified shelter to Palestinian refugees until they return to their land,” he added.

Al-Hayya renewed Hamas's support for the reconciliation initiative proposed by the Islamic Jihad Movement, urging Fatah to make the initiative a starting point to reinstate national unity.

He called for abolishing the ominous Oslo accords which he said brought only disagreement and harm to Palestinians.

“We urge Fatah to immediately suspend political arrests and to criminalize security collaboration with Israel,” he added.