Islam Times - Deputy Hamas chief Abu Marzouk leaves Gaza

Islam Times - The deputy chief of Hamas’ politburo Mousa Abu Marzouk left the Gaza Strip on Friday via Rafah crossing after a week-long visit to the enclave.

Abu Marzouk arrived last Friday along with Hamas chief Khalid Mashaal and members of the movement’s politburo Izzat al-Rishiq and Muhammad Nasr where they attended celebrations of Hamas anniversary.

The issue of the Rafah crossing dominated most of the talks held in the enclave during the last week, said Abu Marzouk.

“They suggested that the presidential guards or the European monitors take charge of the crossing to control smuggling and to limit movement of fugitives," Abu Marzouk said.

"However, the crossing will not be moved, nor will it see major changes, and if anybody wants to become a partner, let them come but without any preconditions."

Abu Marzouk made his comments during a farewell ceremony Hamas organized at the departure hall in Rafah crossing.

The ceremony was attended by Hamas government’s minister of interior Fathi Hammad and other officials including foreign ministry official Ghazi Hamad, and Ahmad Yousif, a former political adviser to Haniyeh.

In the West Bank on Friday, Hamas supporters rallied across Palestinian cities to mark the anniversary. An enormous rally in Gaza City days earlier was attended by tens of thousands of supporters.