Fatah to have Gaza celebration

• Tweet

GAZA, Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Hamas officials have approved Gaza's al-Saraya square as a site for celebrations marking the 48th anniversary of Fatah.

Fatah official Atef Abu Yousef told Ma'an News Agency late Thursday the decision by the Islamist group that governs the Gaza Strip means the celebrations will not be canceled after all.

Yousef said Gaza Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh told Fatah official Nabil Shaath the political party group could use al-Saraya square in Gaza for its anniversary festivities, which are expected to draw about 5,000 Fatah members.

No date had been set for the celebration.

Gaza government spokesman Taher al-Nunu said Haniyeh met with Fatah officials Friday to go over the preparations and congratulate Fatah on its 48th anniversary, the Palestinian news agency said.

Fatah was created in 1965 by the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.