BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Fatah's anniversary celebrations in the Gaza Strip demonstrated a breakthrough in support for the Palestinian leadership, a senior Palestinian official said Friday.

President Abbas' secretary-general, Attayyib Abdul-Rahim, told Ma'an that people who thought the Fatah movement in Gaza had lost support or influence were mistaken, calling Fatah a "horse to count on."

"These crowds represent a clear message to all parties that the Palestinian people support their leadership, political and geographic unity, and unchangeable principles, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state," he said.

Fatah's message to Hamas is that the movement believes in partnership, Abdul-Rahim said. "Because those who believe they can monopolize authority or do things single-handedly are misled."

"As long as the Fatah movement is doing well, the whole Palestinian people will be well and the Palestinian national project will be well," he added.

Fatah officials said nearly one million people gathered in Gaza City on Friday to join the movement's 48th anniversary celebrations.