[BBC.CO.UK] It was an unprecedented scene - a who's who of Hamas, lining up on the stage in Gaza City.The Hamas political leader, Khaled Meshaal, beamed and waved at the crowd as he stood by prime minister Ismail Haniyeh and other top officials from his Islamist group.
It was Mr Meshaal's first visit to Gaza, after decades living in exile, and this was the first time he had addressed such a crowd.
Tens of thousands of Hamas supporters filled Kattiba Square roused by nationalist speeches and songs. They waved green Hamas flags and wore caps, scarves and full outfits to match.
Some small children dressed as militants and carried toy guns and rockets.
This was the start of celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of Hamas and an occasion to restate its founding goals.
Standing in front of a huge model missile bearing the legend "Made in Gaza", Khaled Meshaal insisted there would never be acceptance of Israel's right to exist and restated the commitment to armed struggle.
Some children at the rally were dressed as Hamas fighters
"We are not giving up any inch of Palestine," he said. "It will remain Islamic and Arab for us and nobody else. Jihad and armed resistance is the only way."
He said he would continue to seek the release of Palestinians held in Israeli jails and mentioned a prisoner swap last year when a captured Israeli soldier was exchanged for more than 1,000 Palestinians.