Thousands join pro-Hamas rallies ahead of Palestinian elections

TENS of thousands of Hamas supporters poured into the streets of Gaza yesterday in a show of strength by the Islamic militant group before next week’s Palestinian parliamentary election.

Cheering Palestinians waved Hamas flags and chanted “God is Greatest” as Hamas candidates took the stage in Gaza City, where one of the largest rallies was held.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyah said the group rejected international pressure to end its campaign against Israel.