The Gaza Strip's ruling Hamas movement has cancelled its anniversary rally, saying it was inappropriate to celebrate at a time of deep economic woes in the territory.

It is the first time the Islamic militant group has cancelled the rally since seizing power six years ago. Hamas has used the elaborate annual commemoration of its December 1987 founding to demonstrate its control, with large military-style gatherings attended by hundreds of thousands of people.

The decision illustrates how hard the Gaza economy has been hit since Mohamed Morsi, Egypt's Islamist president and Hamas's main patron, was ousted in a military coup in July. Morsi hails from the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas's parent movement, and sought to improve ties with the Islamic militant group.

Egypt's new military government has imposed tough border restrictions, including the destruction of smuggling tunnels that long sustained the Gaza economy and provided a key source of income for Hamas.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/01/hamas-cancels-gaza-anniversary-rally-palestine