The Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas warned
Wednesday of renewed violence unless Israel lifts its
blockade of Gaza ,at ceremony marking the end of
a military -style summer camp for 25,000 Gazans.
"Today our message to the occupier is very clear ;
We will not accept a blockade "said Mahmud Zahar,
a senior leader of Hamas which rules the Gaza Strip
and has been holding indirect contacts with Israel
over a long term truce in return for an end to the
nine year-old blockade.
"Break the siege because we will not be able to hold
back those who want defend their territory from those
who have destroyed their homes and killed their
children"he said.
Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades ,Hamas's military wing
said participants spent two weeks being ,trained in
military techniques and in firing live ammunition "as
well as first aid and rescue techniques.
Hamas has long run summer camps devoted to sport
and study of the Koran in Gaza ,but over the winter
the brigades started giving military training to 15 -to
20 years-olds.
Human rights activist condemned it as a violation of
children's rights ,but the brigades repeated the exercise
with the summer camp ,while also raising the upper
age limit to 60.
Moatassem 'a 15 year-old said he took part to be able
th help defend Gaza ,We will grow up and be able
to defend ourselves and our people "he said,
A 50 day war in July -August 2014 killed about 2,200
Palestinians and 73 on Israeli side and destroyed or
damaged tens of thousands homes in the impoverished
coastal territory,AFP
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