[Al Arabiya Latest] The Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip on Friday began celebrations marking the movement's 22nd anniversary with parades and the unveiling of a huge mural depicting rockets targeting Israel.Hundreds of people riding camels, horses and motorcycles took part in processions from the north and the east of the besieged Palestinian territory to converge on the house of Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniya.
In the centre of the coastal strip, thousands of people took part in a pro-Hamas march that also featured mock rockets.
In the Jabaliya refugee camp a huge mural was unveiled, featuring Palestinians fighting the Israeli occupation with stones, rifles and rockets.
The main celebration will be held on Monday, the actual anniversary of the anniversary of the movement's founding.
Speculation was rife that Hamas might make an announcement about the fate of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit who was captured in June 2006 when fighters from Hamas and two other armed groups tunneled out of Gaza to attack an army post, killing two soldiers.
Contradictory reports have emerged in recent weeks about the possible imminent release of Shalit in a swap for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Israel and Hamas have held indirect talks sponsored by Egypt and mediated by Germany to finalize a swap.
Hamas seized power in the Gaza Strip in June 2007, routing its secular rival Fatah after a week of deadly street battles.