Two U.S. Democrat congressmen visit Gaza

Two U.S. Democrat congressmen visited on Sunday the Gaza Strip to review the situation of the enclave that has been under Israeli blockade for more than three years, Hamas officials said.

Hamas said in a statement that Brian Bird and Nick Bilono, two Democrats, crossed into the Gaza Strip through Rafah border crossing between the enclave and Egypt.

The two U.S. congressmen, who were escorted by United Nations vehicles, visited areas which were bombarded by the Israeli army during last winter's "Operation Cast Lead" military offensive that lasted for 22 days.

During the Israeli war, more than 1,440 Palestinians were killed and over than 5,000 wounded, most of them civilians. According to Hamas official figures, more than 20,000 houses and constructions were destroyed.

It was not clear if the two congressmen would hold talks with senior Hamas officials in Gaza.

The United States and Europe list Hamas among the world's terrorist groups, and they have imposed an embargo on the movement since 2006.

Source: Xinhua