The exiled political leader of Hamas, Khaled Meshaal, is due to make his first ever visit to Gaza to mark the organization’s 25th anniversary, according to BBC News.
Meshaal is to meet members of different Palestinian movements and Gaza residents as well as the families of militants killed by Israel. His visit follows a ceasefire that ended days of violence between Hamas-run Gaza and Israel last month.
The Islamist militant group has governed Gaza since 2007. Hamas is regarded as a terrorist organization by Israel, the EU and U.S.
Meshaal is due to enter Gaza from Egypt. Officials at the Rafah border crossing said his wife had arrived late on Thursday, Dec 6.
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said in a statement that the visit was "a fruit of the victory of the resistance over the occupation".
A huge rally on Saturday is expected to be the centerpiece of his three-day tour.
