Hamas thanks people in Muslim and Western countries for solidarity against Israeli occupation

Palestinian resistance group Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida expressed his gratitude to the people in Muslim and Western countries for their unwavering support during Israel's war on Gaza. His statement came as a ceasefire brought an end to the relentless Israeli military offensive.

In a video statement on Sunday, Abu Obeida remarked that the ceasefire agreement could have been reached much earlier, but Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's aggressive policies prolonged the war.

“The [ceasefire] deal... could have been reached over a year ago, yet Netanyahu's malicious ambitions led him to continue this genocidal war,” he said.

He added, “We want the deal to be a success to end the bloodshed among our people.”

Abu Obeida, leader of the Al-Qassam Brigades, also acknowledged the efforts of resistance fighters and civilians from Iran, Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanon, who supported Hamas during the offensive.

He extended his gratitude to Muslim nations for standing in solidarity with Gaza and reiterated Hamas's commitment to upholding the ceasefire agreement, provided that Israel honors it as well.

"We are prepared to honour all the terms of the agreement and respect the timetable set. October 7 [2023] was a result of the continued oppression of Palestinian people,” he said.

He further declared, “The occupation is the root of all evil, and we must put an end to it. All attempts to continue this will be met by force.”

On Sunday, following the ceasefire, Hamas fighters were seen in public managing the situation in Gaza, as crowds filled the streets celebrating the end of Israel’s military onslaught.

As part of the ceasefire agreement, Hamas released Israeli hostages in exchange for 90 civilians detained by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) during the offensive in Gaza. Female Israeli hostages were handed over to the Red Cross with gifts and certificates.

Videos of the exchange circulated widely on social media as both sides implemented the conditions of the first phase of the ceasefire.

Abu Obeida, the Al-Qassam Brigades spokesperson, confirmed the release of three Israeli hostages, 24-year-old Rumi Gonen, 28-year-old Emily Damari, and 31-year-old Doron Shtenberg Khair, under the prisoner exchange agreement.

It is worth noting that the initial phase of the six-week ceasefire includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from central Gaza and the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza.

Under the agreement, 600 trucks of humanitarian aid will enter Gaza daily, including 50 trucks carrying fuel. Out of these, 300 trucks will be allocated to the north, where conditions for civilians remain dire.