Palestinians gathered in Saraya Square to celebrate Fatah's 48th anniversary Tens of thousands of Palestinians gathered in Saraya Square, central Gaza to celebrate the 48th anniversary of Fatah. The celebration was attended by Dr Zakaria Al-Agha of the Central Committee, all the Fatah leaders in Gaza , and leaders of other Palestinian factions as well. Celebrations began early as streams of cars and motorbikes were seen carrying photos of President Abbas and the Late Arafat, chanting songs which called for unity. Crowds waved Palestinian and Fatah flags in the streets, while dozens of fireworks dotted the skyline.This marks the first time that Hamas has allowed Fatah to hold such an event since seizing the coastal enclave from the secular faction in 2007. Fatah also permitted a Hamas anniversary rally in the West Bank earlier this month for the first time in seven years.
At the event, Agha congratulated the Palestinian people in the West Bank, Jerusalem and abroad, stressing that Fatah will remain committed to the Palestinian cause until freedom and independence are gained. Ahga praised Palestine's achievement at the United Nations, describing the UN's recognition of statehood as “a step towards retrieving all Palestinian rights, particularly the right of return for Palestinian refugees and comprehensive sovereignty over Palestinian land.” According to Agha, reconciliation is a strategic choice for Fatah and tops its list of priorities, but there is an urgent need to maintain this atmosphere of unity in order to be able to end the division.
Atef Abu Saif, Fatah official for national relations in Gaza, said that this gathering confirms that Palestinians are mobilised behind the national leadership of President Mahmoud Abbas.