In another example of Palestinian deflection for the barbaric nature of their assault on Israeli civilians, Hamas has declared the October 7 attacks on Israel as a "necessary step" to counteract what it perceives as Israeli conspiracies against the Palestinian people. This assertion came in a detailed 16-page report, released in both English and Arabic, offering justification for the attacks that led to approximately 1,200 casualties.
The report, a rare public document of its kind, admitted to "some faults" during the attacks, attributing these to the "rapid collapse" of Israel's security and military system, and ensuing chaos along the Gaza border areas. Despite these acknowledgments, Hamas remained steadfast in its position, describing the attacks as an essential response to Israeli actions.
🇵🇸OFFICIAL HAMAS "OUR NARRATIVE": PART 1b
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 21, 2024
Why Operation Al-Aqsa Flood? (section 7)
"After 75 years of relentless occupation and suffering, and after failing all initiatives for liberation and return to our people, and also after the disastrous results of the so-called peace… https://t.co/LbFzDDtgQt pic.twitter.com/uUhrQXVz4O
Furthermore, the situation escalated with Hamas seizing about 250 hostages, a significant number of whom remain in Gaza. Israeli sources estimate that at least 27 of these hostages have been killed.
In a striking statement, Hamas called for an immediate end to what it terms as "Israeli aggression on Gaza," condemning the actions as crimes and ethnic cleansing against the Gaza population. The group emphasized the Palestinian people's right to determine their future and manage internal affairs, rejecting external interference in these matters. The terror group denied atrocitities against civilians as well, and called any reference or video proof to the contrary as Zionist propaganda.
Breaking: In its first statement regarding the events on October 7, Hamas declares that the attack was a necessary step to confront Israel's schemes to liquidate the Palestinian cause.
— Ramy Abdu| رامي عبده (@RamAbdu) January 21, 2024
The organization claims it did not target civilians, suggesting there might have been some… pic.twitter.com/876rULv9MM
The Gaza health ministry's recent statement paints a grim picture, reporting a staggering 25,105 Palestinian fatalities and 62,681 injuries due to Israeli strikes since October 7.
Amidst this turmoil, there is a glimmer of hope for diplomacy and peace. The United States, Egypt, and Qatar are actively pushing for a comprehensive plan aimed at ending the war. This ambitious 90-day plan, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, envisages a series of steps leading to an extended cessation of hostilities, exchange of hostages and prisoners, normalization of Israel with neighboring countries, and talks for establishing a Palestinian state.
The phased plan includes Hamas releasing all civilians and Israel withdrawing from Gaza’s cities, followed by further exchanges of prisoners and soldiers. The final phase anticipates discussions on a permanent ceasefire, normalization between Israel and various Arab nations, and initiating a new process towards the creation of a Palestinian state.
"Not only is #Hamas keeping hostages in Gaza, but they are holding the whole people [of #Gaza] hostage."
— StandWithUs (@StandWithUs) January 19, 2024
WATCH: MEP @ZovkoEU made a powerful statement before the European Parliament.
Via: @eurojewcong pic.twitter.com/zMBEFD5weY
However, complexities abound as internal rifts within Hamas emerge, with reports of differences between Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar and Doha-based politburo leader Ismail Haniyeh, particularly over the contentious issue of Gaza's demilitarization.
As negotiations are poised to commence in Cairo soon, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a breakthrough that could pave the way for lasting peace in a region long plagued by conflict and strife.
