Hamas Leader Abroad, Khaled Mashal: The Battle In Gaza Is Crucial And Historic; The Islamic Nation Must Join The Fighting To Tip The Scales; Continuous Protests By Millions Are Needed

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On March 27, 2024, on its official Telegram channel, the Hamas movement shared the main points made by its leader abroad, Khaled Mashal, in a prerecorded speech that was screened during an event for Palestinian women held in Jordan. Among other things, Mashal declared that the current battle against Israel in Gaza is crucial and historic in the annals of "the conflict." He exhorted the Islamic nation to take an active part in it in order to tip the scales in favor of the Palestinians. He also called for the organization of continuous protests by millions of people in support of Palestine. Regarding the negotiations being conducted with Israel, Mashal presented inflexible and uncompromising demands which include ending the state of war, Israel's withdrawal from Gaza, and the return of the displaced Gazans to their homes, including in the north of the Gaza Strip.[1]

In his speech, the Hamas leader claimed that the resistance in Gaza is in good shape, and that resistance operations are also increasing "in the heart of Jerusalem and in the West Bank." He added that the current war is "a historic battle " and despite the balance of power, which isn't in Hamas's favor, Allah, the Islamic nation, and justice are on its side. He said that the pain experienced by the people of Gaza "is severe and has exceeded all limits." However, Mashal asserted that this only further motivates Hamas to fight. He also stated that this is "a crucial battle in the annals of the conflict," and that alongside it there has been an unprecedented change in the international arena and in international public opinion.

Mashal explained that the Hamas leadership is operating in several spheres, first and foremost in the sphere of "military support for the battle, from within and from without." He said that it continues to encourage the Islamic nation to join the fighting so that "the blood of the Islamic nation will mingle with the blood of the people of Palestine… and decide this conflict in our favor, with the help of Allah." He also stressed the need for continuous protests in which millions of people take to the streets in support Palestine, and emphasized that these should be organized and conducted through established bodies. Mashal further claimed that the Hamas leadership works to assist the residents of Gaza in both the financial and humanitarian spheres and in this context, he accused Israel of using famine as a tool to further its aims.

Referring to the negotiations with Israel, Mashal said that Hamas insists on the need for a halt to "the aggression;" an Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip; the return of the displaced Gazans to their homes, especially in the north; the provision of the necessary aid for the residents and for reconstruction efforts; and the lifting of the siege on Gaza. He also stated that Hamas will not release the Israeli prisoners it holds until the preceding conditions have been fulfilled. The Hamas leader warned against threats – apparently referring to an Israeli operation – at the end of Ramadan and added, "We face an open-ended battle and we must be prepared for it." He also warned "our people in Jordan" against revealing weakness and feebleness and asserted that "the struggle has been forced upon us, this is our land and these are our people and the holy places are ours."

It is notable that also on March 27, Hamas reposted on its Telegram channel an excerpt from the October 7 message issued by Al-Qassam Brigades' military leader Mohammed Deif,[2] which urged Arabs and Muslims to start marching toward Palestine today before tomorrow," and added, "Do not allow borders, regimes, or any limitations to prevent you from experiencing the honor of jihad and participating in the liberation of Al-Aqsa Mosque."[3]