(Reuters) - Palestinians in Gaza let off fireworks and shot into the air to celebrate the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak Friday, and the Islamist group Hamas called on Egypt's new rulers to change his policies. "The resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is the beginning of the victory of the Egyptian revolution," said Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri.
"Such a victory was the result of the sacrifices and the steadfastness of the Egyptian people," he told Reuters.
Gaza residents heard gunfire erupt across the city when news of Mubarak's departure spread, and fireworks lit up the sky.
The tiny coastal enclave of Gaza shares a border with Israel and Egypt. Both countries have imposed strict limitations on the movement of people and goods since Hamas took control of the territory, hampering Gaza's economy.
"We call upon the new Egyptian leadership to take an immediate decision to lift the blockade of Gaza and open Rafah (border) crossing permanently to allow people's free movement and in order for the reconstruction process of Gaza to begin," said Abu Zuhri.
