The head of the Hamas government in Gaza Strip, Ismail Haniya, and another leading member of the movement appeared in public on Friday for the first time since the Israel offensive on the Palestinian enclave. Haniya and Mahmud Zahar preached in different mosques in Gaza City during Friday prayers, witnesses said.
It marked the first time the two have been seen at public events since the 22-day Gaza war that ended on January 18.
Meanwhile, Israeli troops killed a man who had been protesting against Israel's separation barrier, Palestinians said. Basem Abu Rahmeh, 30, died after being hit at close range with a tear gas cannister.
Protests near the village of Bilin are held every Friday. Protesters threw stones and other objects at Israeli forces during the demonstration, the Israeli military said.
