Global Islamic Caliphate May Be Declared in Gaza

On Tuesday, thousands of supporters of the radical Islamic group Hizb al-Tahrir (Liberation Party) staged a demonstration in Gaza City to mark the anniversary of the end of the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. Demonstrators called for establishing an Islamic caliphate that would rule not only in the PA territories, but the entire world. Buoyed by the large turnout, the party's leaders are now considering declaring an Islamic caliphate in the Gaza Strip during Friday prayers.

The party, which is seen as more extreme than Hamas, is said to have increased its popularity following what is perceived as a Hezbollah victory over Israel.