Hamas: March of Return will not end until siege does

Head of Hamas’ political bureau Ismail Haniyeh delivers a sermon at Friday prayers in Gaza

by Mohammed Asad

Head of Hamas’ political bureau Ismail Haniyeh during a sermon at Friday prayers in Gaza [Mohammed Asad/Middle East Monitor]

Large steps are being taken to lift the siege on the Gaza Strip, the head of Hamas’ political bureau said today.

“We have seen aid deliveries, offers and actions, the opening of the Rafah crossing in an effort to end this humanitarian tragedy in Gaza. This is thanks to God, the steadfastness of our people and the blood of our martyrs,” Ismail Haniyeh said during a sermon at Friday prayers.

“We live in the throes of victory and the beginning of ending the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, and these achievements will be built upon and carried out in order to strengthen the unity of our people,” he continued.

“The blood of the martyrs occupied all international television stations and stole the limelight from the Zionist project to move embassy to Jerusalem and claiming it their capital.”

Israel: Human rights laws do not apply to March of Return

In an apparent reference to Egypt’s claims that it had asked the movement to reign in the protests following the massacre on Monday, Haniyeh said: “If something is presented to Hamas during our visit to Egypt we will not make a decision until we have told other factions this is what was offered to us.”

“The march is a national decision and Hamas cannot intervene,” he continued, adding: “This march will not stop until the siege on Gaza is lifted completely.”

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