(AP/Washington Post) Diaa Hadid - A meager turnout at a well-publicized Hamas rally Sunday to mark a year since Israel's Gaza offensive appeared to reflect public discontent over the militant Islamic group's attempt to turn the occasion into a victory march. Only about 3,000 people milled around a square in the northern Gaza town of Jebaliya, well below expectations, and other events during the day were also poorly attended. "Gaza was victorious with its steadfastness, its firmness and strength of faith," said Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh in a televised speech. But a siren meant to call for a minute's silence was ignored as cars whizzed by and pedestrians kept walking.
2009-12-28 07:18:35Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive