At October 7, 2024 Istanbul Conference, Top Hamas Official Osama Hamdan Tells American Anti-Israel Activist Max Blumenthal In English: Mohammad Deif Is Alive And Leading His Troops; Before October 7, The Israeli Government Was Talking About Dismantling The Palestinian Cause; Ismail Haniyeh Sacrificed Himself For The Cause – Now The People Have To Follow In His Footsteps

In an October 7, 2024 conference in Istanbul, Osama Hamdan of the Hamas political bureau told American journalist Max Blumenthal that the October 7 attack "means a lot for the Palestinian people." He continued to say that the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was an "important push" for the Palestinian people, because their number one leader sacrificed for them, and they should follow in his footsteps. The interview was posted on The Grayzone on YouTube.

Osama Hamdan: "I think the seventh of October means a lot for the Palestinians. First of all, everyone understands that before the seventh of October, the Israeli government was talking about dismantling the Palestinian cause.

[...]

"After the seventh of October, we took back the initiative.

[...]

"The Israelis are talking about the assassination of Mohammad Deif, but they are not telling the truth."

Journalist Max Blumenthal: "Is Deif alive?"

Hamdan: "Yes, yes, Allah be praised. He is still alive and he is still leading his troops.

[...]

"Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated by the Israelis and that brings an important push for the people, that the number one leader sacrificed for the cause, so you have to follow in his steps."