Thousands gather for Hamas rally

Thousands of people streamed into the centre of Gaza City after sundown today for a huge Hamas rally marking the end of Israel’s 38-year military presence in the seaside territory.

Fireworks lit up the sky. A stage set up at the central square was decorated with green Hamas flags and pictures of Hamas leaders killed in Israeli raids - founder Sheik Ahmed Yassin, his successor Abdel Aziz Rantisi and Gaza commander Salah Shehadeh.