May. 22, 2021 9:17 PM
Masked Hamas fighters brandishing assault rifles paraded in Gaza City and the group’s top leader made his first public appearance on Saturday, in a defiant show of victory after the militants 11-day war with Israel.
Dozens of Hamas fighters wearing military camouflage paraded past the mourning tent for Bassem Issa, a senior commander killed in the fighting. The top Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, paid his respects in his first public appearance since the war began almost two weeks ago.
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Thousands of Palestinians returned home to scenes of devastation yesterday as Egyptian mediators attempted to secure a longer-term calm between the two sides.
Ceasefire holding as aid begins to arrive in Gaza rte.ie - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from rte.ie Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
What is Hamas?
Updated: May 12 2021, 11:16 ET
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HAMAS fighters in Gaza used sprawling 20-metre-deep subterranean terror tunnels to gain access into and launch attacks against Israel.
Here s more on the shadowy organisation, the largest of several Palestinian militant Islamist groups.
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What is Hamas?
Hamas is a Palestinian militant movement that also serves as one of the territories’ two major political parties, explains the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR).
Over the years, Hamas has carried out shooting, bombing and rocket attacks in Israel.
Since 2008, Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza have fought three cross-border wars and have had numerous skirmishes since the group seized control of Gaza in 2007.