On 8th December, Hamas celebrated their 25th anniversary and the outcome of the recent war with Israel, which is viewed by many as a significant victory.

Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh and Political Bureau Director Khaled Meshaal spoke passionately and at length, standing in front of a giant rocket bearing the words 'Made in Gaza', which Meshaal described as a symbolic representation of the struggle against occupation.

They each paid respect to those martyrs who were killed during the Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip and pledged to continue the fight for independence and freedom for the Palestinian people.

The event was attended by at least 50,000 people. The streets were crowded and groups of people could be seen atop the surrounding buildings.

Katiba Square itself was packed full of people, waving the green flags of Hamas. Many children, especially the boys, were dressed up in military gear and brandished plastic guns, which they gladly posed for photos with. They laughed happily when I put my hands up and pleaded with them not to shoot!

The only real guns we saw were held by three members of Al Qassam, who drove right past us at one point. Rather, the event was a political rally, a civic and civil affair, well organised and managed by members of the police force. A large number of young volunteers, drawn from the scouts, trainee police and volunteer organisations, helped to keep order.

Of the people we spoke to, a number of them told us that their family members had been martyred, either last month or during 'Operation Cast Lead' in 2008/9.

Hamas appear to be on the crest of a wave, buoyed up by the success of their resistance during the recent war. Judging by this event, Israel has failed in its attempt to crush Hamas, at the very least in terms of popularity.

I met a lot of gorgeous children and took many, many photographs, but this beautiful little girl really captured my attention.

As in any place around the world, hope for the future lies in the children. Too many children of Gaza have been traumatised, brutalised, deeply scarred by war and death and the deprivation of their civil liberties. I hope for a better future for this little girl and all others like her.