Low turnout at Hamas rally sign of declining support?
A lower-than-expected turnout at the anniversary of the assassination of Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin has added to speculation about its declining popularity.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — In warm weather on the sandy ground of the Serail Square in central Gaza City, tens of thousands of Hamas supporters came out to participate in the “loyalty and steadfastness” festival held on March 23 to commemorate the anniversary of the martyrdom of Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin.
While some believe that the number of participants was not as high as expected, the speech delivered by Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, in his capacity as a leader of Hamas’ political bureau, went beyond the usual, according to analysts.
This mixture of a strong speech and a decreased number of participants may be a sign of Hamas' political decline and desperation.
Loyal supporters
