Hamas vows to fight on after Gaza pullout

updated 9:20 a.m. ET Aug. 13, 2005

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - For the first time in a decade, the founders and top political leaders of Hamas gathered on the same stage Saturday, vowing to go on fighting Israel and claiming victory for its impending withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

In a direct challenge to the Palestinian Authority, the militant groups’ top brass said it rejects the idea of a sole decision-making body for the area and insists it has the right to possess weapons.

Tensions between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas have heated up in the days before Israel begins its withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and four West Bank settlements, with each trying to claim victory for the pullout.

On Saturday, Hamas leaders positioned themselves in front of the group’s logo and a green Islamic flag to send a message that they have the right to possess weapons and to claim responsibility for pushing Israel out of the Gaza Strip.

Tens of thousands celebrate withdrawal
The Hamas news conference comes just a day after the Palestinian Authority held its first official celebration — with the attendance of Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas — of Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and four West Bank settlements.

Speakers at Friday’s ceremony made it clear that all celebrations of the withdrawal would take place under the official Palestinian banner — the red, black, green and white flag — a message to Hamas.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians on Friday crowded Gaza City’s small harbor to celebrate the withdrawal, waving flags and hearing promises from their leader that the West Bank and Jerusalem will be next.

Abbas, surrounded by security guards, told the crowd: “From here, from this place, our nation and our masses are walking toward the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.”

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