Hamas chief Meshaal due in Gaza next week: sources [View all]

[oberliner]

GAZA CITY, Palestinian Territories — Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal is to make his first-ever visit to the Gaza Strip at the end of next week, accompanied by top officials, a senior Hamas source said on Wednesday.

"Meshaal will arrive in the Gaza Strip accompanied by a number of members of the Hamas politburo-in-exile a day before the Hamas anniversary, to participate in the celebrations," the source said, referring to the start of festivities on December 8 to mark the Islamist movement's 25th birthday.

The actual date of the anniversary is December 14, but this year the celebrations are starting early.

News of the visit was confirmed to AFP by two other sources, each of whom spoke on condition of anonymity.

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