Haniyeh's speech shows unity in resistance

Thousands of Palestinians in Gaza commemorated the 10th anniversary of the targeted assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin at a rally organised by Hamas under the banner “Loyalty and adherence on Martyred Leader’s Anniversary”. The rally was also held in remembrance of two other Hamas leaders assassinated by Israel, Abdul-Aziz Al-Rantisi and Ibrahim Al-Makadima.

In a speech which captured the essence of resistance and liberation throughout the decades of colonisation, Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh emphasised the contrast between Palestinian resilience against Israel’s perpetual aggression and the Palestinian Authority (PA)’s surrender to the unacceptable negotiations which are leading to further expansion of the Zionist settler-colonial state.

Quoted in AlRay, Haniyeh affirmed Hamas as a resistance movement, stating; “Take all the [political powers] and positions and keep the homeland, do not give in Jerusalem; do not give in the right of return.”

Haniyeh’s speech highlighted the divisions enforced upon Palestinians by Israel and the PA, both accomplices in deconstructing Palestinian resistance into terrorism. Evoking differences between the inherent endorsement and participation with regard to resistance and the PA’s divisive approach in persisting with the imperialist-brokered negotiations, Haniyeh declared; “Today’s festival stands as a popular referendum on a resistance programme. The peace process has failed to fulfil anything; only polished the image of the Zionists and provided a cover for their aggressive practices of settlement, Judaisation and terrorism.”

The bastion of resistance embodied by Palestinians in Gaza was illustrated by articulating a metaphor which evoked Sheikh Yassin – both facing restrictions of immense magnitude which were transformed into formidable and unyielding affirmations of the anti-colonial struggle.

Condemning the illegal siege on Gaza, Haniyeh also denounced recent comments by Israeli ministers who speculated about the necessity of infiltrating the territory, using “terror” as a pretext for further land grabs and control.

“Why punish Gaza? Was it because it took up the rifle against Israel? We are living through a difficult stage and harsh challenges, but we are not terrified and we are not defeated,” Haniyeh said.

Perhaps the most evident assertion regarding Palestinian unity was uttered during the remembrance of the recent murders committed by Israel in which three resistance fighters in Jenin were annihilated. “The martyrdom of three Palestinians of different political affiliations confirms that resistance unites Palestinians and the peace process scatters them.”

Meanwhile, Israeli intentions of aggression against Palestinians in Gaza escalated on Sunday as messages disseminated on social media networks urged for a bombardment of the enclave during the rally, deeming the gathering “an opportunity” to kill the maximum number of Hamas members.

“We have to drop bombs on this rally regardless of the results. The reaction would be an international protest for a month and then we can live safely for 40 years,” one message read.

While Hamas remains targeted as a terror organisation in a manner which suits colonial and imperialist plans for sustained aggression against Palestinians, Israel is not only allowed the opportunity to perfect its impunity, but also to flaunt the limitless abundance it has been granted by the international community under the auspices of the UN’s futile rhetoric of concern. Had the rally been targeted, undoubtedly the result would have been equivalent to the aggressive prediction of the Zionist inciters.

In light of the constant confirmation of international complicity maintaining the illegal settler-colonial state, the unifying and logical message of Hamas should be proclaimed prior to any rhetoric of compromised peace. This would allow the resistance movement and Palestinians the opportunity to create the dynamics of a movement that operates from within the collective history of all Palestinians in a manner which ensures the preservation of memory as an essential component of the continuous historical struggle for liberation.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.