Hamas announces second day of West Bank rallies

TULKAREM (Ma'an) -- Hamas will hold rallies in the West Bank on Friday in the second day of its celebrations to mark the movement's 25th anniversary.

On Thursday, thousands turned out in Nablus to celebrate the founding of Hamas, the first time Hamas was authorized to hold a mass political event in the West Bank by the Fatah-dominated government.

Fatah officials took part in the Nablus rally, while the party's representatives in Gaza, where Hamas rules, have also got the go-ahead for their own anniversary event which is expected next month.

Hamas said on Friday a march will be held after Friday prayers from the Jadid Mosque in Tulkarem.

Festivals will also be held in Ramallah and Hebron to celebrate the Hamas anniversary, as well as what was seen locally as a victory for the party in its eight-day conflict with Israel last month.