In a video message released Sunday, Hamas publicly lauded its October 7 attack on Israel, marking the upcoming anniversary of the assault that ignited the current conflict in Gaza.
“The crossing of the glorious 7th of October shattered the illusions the enemy had created for itself, convincing the world and the region of its supposed superiority and capabilities,” stated Khalil al-Hayya, a member of Hamas based in Qatar.
The attack last year led to the deaths of 1,205 individuals, primarily civilians, according to an AFP analysis of Israeli official statistics, which include those killed while being held hostage.
Since the onset of the war, at least 41,870 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have died in Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip, based on data from the Hamas-controlled health ministry. The United Nations has verified these figures.
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Reflecting on the year since the October 7 attack, al-Hayya asserted, “All of Palestine, particularly Gaza, and our Palestinian people are writing a new history with their resistance, blood and steadfastness.”
Al-Hayya has become the public face of Hamas following the death of former leader Ismail Haniyeh in July. He praised the resilience of Gazans, stating they had endured “all attempts at displacement… despite the kinds of torture and terrorism you have endured, and the horrific genocide and daily massacre.”
Efforts to mediate peace, involving Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, have so far failed to achieve a lasting ceasefire, aside from a brief truce that began in late November.
As the lead negotiator for Hamas since late July, al-Hayya emphasized the group’s stance, claiming Israel had impeded peace efforts: “What we rejected yesterday, we will not accept tomorrow, and what the occupation (Israel) failed to impose by force, it will not take at the negotiating table.”
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