Hamas Leaders Join Long-Hiding Commanders For Parade Marking Year Since Battle With Israel

[Purveyor]

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) -- Hamas political leaders and military commanders who have been hiding underground for years gathered Thursday for a military parade in Gaza marking the anniversary of an eight-day battle against Israel last year.

The leaders passed through lines of fighters waving their hands in salute. Women threw flowers and candies over the thousands gathered for the parade from the windows overlooking it. Masked armed men used robes to climb down from high-rise buildings.

In the year since the bruising Israeli offensive, rocket fire from Gaza against Israeli citizens has all but stopped. But a pair of attacks Thursday sparked the Israeli military to launch airstrikes, saying it targeted two concealed rocket launchers in the northern Gaza Strip. Hamas said the Israelis hit empty areas and caused no casualties or damage.

Hamas claimed victory in last year's battle despite suffering heavy casualties. It is holding celebratory marches this week to mark the anniversary and to vow to continue their violent struggle against Israel.

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[delrem]

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