Senior Hamas Official Defends Attack on Israel, Calls for Sacrifices for Liberation
In a recent interview with Al-Arabiya, senior Hamas official Khaled Mashal defended the terrorist group’s October 7 attack on Israel, stating that Palestinian lives would need to be sacrificed in order to achieve “liberation.” Mashal praised the attack as “ingenious” and labeled it as “legitimate resistance” against Israeli occupation.
Challenged by host Rasha Nabil, Mashal was questioned about the group’s actions and whether they could be considered true resistance or a declaration of war. Nabil also highlighted the comparison being made between Hamas and Daesh in Western media and questioned how such attacks could garner sympathy for the Palestinian cause, especially considering the high number of Israeli casualties.
Furthermore, Nabil pointed out that Hamas should bear responsibility for the dire situation in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians have been killed or wounded and over a million internally displaced. She emphasized that Hamas must have anticipated the response from the Israeli military and questioned the group’s motives.
Mashal acknowledged the consequences of the October 7 operation but argued that sacrifices were necessary for liberation. He cited examples such as the Soviet Union in World War II, the Vietnamese during their war with the US, Afghan resistance to Soviet and American occupation, and the Algerian battle for independence. According to Mashal, no nation can achieve liberation without sacrifices, and Israel will continue to kill Palestinians regardless of their resistance.
When asked about Hamas’ treatment of civilians, Mashal claimed that the group only targeted occupation forces and soldiers. He stated that civilian casualties were an unfortunate consequence of war and that Hamas was not responsible for them.
Nabil pressed Mashal on whether he wanted to apologize for civilian deaths resulting from the attacks. In response, Mashal shifted blame to Israel and stated that Hamas did not intentionally kill civilians. He emphasized that their focus was solely on soldiers.
Mashal also called on Egyptian leaders to provide more assistance to Hamas and expressed gratitude to those who stood with Palestinians, specifically mentioning Hezbollah in Lebanon. Nabil questioned why Arab nations who did not participate in the decision to attack Israel should be asked to do more. Mashal defended the actions of Palestinians under occupation, asserting their natural right to resist without needing to consult others.
In addition, Mashal expressed hope that the hostages taken in the October 7 attack would lead to the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
The interview sheds light on Hamas’ perspective and justifications for their actions. While Mashal defends the attack as a form of resistance, critics argue that it only exacerbates the conflict and leads to further suffering for both Israelis and Palestinians. The interview also highlights the challenges faced by Hamas in garnering international sympathy for their cause, particularly when civilian casualties are involved.
As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues, it is crucial to seek peaceful resolutions and dialogue that can address the root causes of the conflict. Both sides must recognize the importance of protecting civilian lives and strive for a peaceful coexistence that can bring an end to the cycle of violence.