Haniyeh hails Palestinian 'persistence' in face of Israeli occupation

Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh has attributed Gaza’s survival during the two massive Israeli wars of aggression and the strict Israeli siege to the “wise governing management, legendary persistence of the people and the creativity of the Palestinian residents in Gaza”.

During a public speech delivered before a military parade on Monday, Haniyeh asserted that: “Our power is not targeting any Palestinian or neighbour, despite our major differences.”

He continued: “We are not in a battle with anyone except the Israeli occupation. [The Palestinian parties] may have varying political views, but [Hamas] proposes only those projects that protect the Palestinian principles.”

Hailing the security services in Gaza, Haniyeh said: “This power was built by our accumulated efforts and the blood sacrificed throughout the years. All factions together contributed to it.”

In addition, he noted that: “This power was nurtured on resistance and sticking to the principles of the Palestinian people and their cause. We are sustained by the support of the deprived people, detainees and families of the martyrs.”

Meanwhile, Haniyeh also congratulated the Palestinians and Muslims on the occasion of the birthday of the Prophet Mohamed PBUH, which occurred on Monday.