At Hamas rally in Gaza, a black banner hanging from a nearby building read, in Arabic, English and French: “We will not recognize Israel.”
December 16, 2007 8:10 am Gaza under Hamas, HamasAt least 300,000 Gazans rally to mark Hamas’ 20th anniversary - Haaretz, December 16, 2007
Meshal said Abbas, who controls the West Bank, does not have the mandate to negotiate with Israel.
Addressing the rally, senior Hamas official Mushir al-Masri warned Israel to expect many casualties if Israel Defense Forces troops launch a major operation in the coastal territory in an attempt to stop almost daily rocket fire by militants at Israel.
“Jews, go back, because we have already dug graves for you,” Masri said. Israel carries out regular raids on Gaza and has killed dozens of militants in the past month….
Large pictures of Hamas’ leaders, both in Gaza and in exile, were draped across the speakers’ podium. A black banner hanging from a nearby building read, in Arabic, English and French: “We will not recognize Israel.”
“This is the real referendum on the popularity of resistance, the people converging behind Hamas,” said Zayed Herzallah, a 28-year old merchant, who brought a van full of young relatives. “Hamas today, after 20 years and after thousands of martyrs, is graduating the fourth generation (of supporters).”