Alwaght- The leader of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance movement, Hamas, has strongly condemned the decision by US President Donald Trump to recognize Israeli-occupied al-Quds (Jerusalem) as the capital of the Tel Aviv regime.
Addressing Hamas supporters on the 30th anniversary of the founding of the movement in Gaza Strip on Thursday afternoon, Ismail Haniyah stressed that the so-called ‘state of Israel’ does not exist and cannot have a capital of its own.
He lauded the sacrifices made by members of the resistance movement to keep the Palestinian cause alive.
“Hamas was created in order to defend Palestine; and occupied al-Quds in particular,” he pointed out.
Haniyah went on to say that all freedom-loving people of the world supported the cause of Palestine as well as al-Quds.
The Hamas leader then hailed Palestinians’ resistance against the new Israeli-US plot, saying, “Unity in the face of the US scheme on al-Quds is a victory for the Palestinian nation.”
Sacrifice for al Quds
“Al-Quds belongs to the entire world,” he noted, calling for mass protest rallies worldwide in order to force Washington to reverse its decision on the city.
“No power in the world can change the identity of al-Quds. The state of Israel does not exist and therefore cannot have a capital. We will sacrifice our blood and life for al-Quds and al-Aqsa Mosque,” Haniyah pointed out.
He said Palestinians could quash Trump’s decision, emphasizing that the Muslim world would not allow such a move to proceed.
“Palestinians must achieve unity through mutual respect. They must be able to live in the Gaza Strip in a dignified manner,” the Hamas leader commented.
Haniyeh also demanded the formation of a strong alliance in the West Asian region in order to fight for the Palestinian cause and also urged formulation of a clear strategy to confront the occupying regime of Israel.
Day of Rage
“The Palestinian Intidafa (uprising) must continue. Every Friday must be the ‘Day of Rage’ against the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories and to condemn Trump’s decision on al-Quds,” he stated.
Haniyeh called upon Muslims and Christians in every part of the world to come together and protect the sacred sites in al-Quds.
On December 6, Trump announced his decision to recognize al-Quds as Israel’s capital and relocate the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to al-Quds.
Massive Rally
Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinian men, women and children on Thursday marked the 30th anniversary of Hamas founding with celebrations in the Gaza Strip.
Massive crowds in Gaza brandishing Hamas's green flags gathered at the al-Katiba Square in Gaza City. Youth groups arrived at the celebration site on foot from Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip to Gaza city.
Hamas issued a statement in this occasion in which the Movement affirmed its persistence in the resistance project until the liberation of all of the occupied Palestinian territories.
The statement also threatened Israeli occupation authorities of retaliation for the Israeli crimes and violations against the Palestinian people and their sacred places.
Hamas armed wing fighters ready to die for al-Quds
Additionally, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Hamas founding, the group’s armed wing, al-Qassam Brigades, pledged to stand its ground in the anti-occupation struggle.
Al-Qassam choir recited chants hailing the Palestinian resistance and Occupied al-Quds.
“Al-Qassam has prepared unbeatable men to liberate al-Quds and Palestine,” a couplet read.
“We are the bulletproof vests; we are the archers; we will never throw in the towel,” were the refrains of a song chanted at the launch of al-Qassam’s military show.
Hamas’s choral group also performed songs lauding armed resistance against the Israeli occupation.
“We are coming, we are coming, we are coming . . . . We are our enemy’s punishment, ours grandchildren’s destiny . . . . We will always be the winners,” the group sung.
A huge banner reading “al-Quds is the capital of Palestine” also figured at the event.
