The military spokesperson for al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement, Abu Hamza, described Operation al-Aqsa Flood carried out on October 7, 2023, as the "largest and most successful complex qualitative operation in the Arab-Israeli conflict."

In a recorded statement, Abu Hamza declared, "Al-Aqsa Flood began in accordance with international laws, representing a historic crossing for Palestinian resistance into our occupied lands." He emphasized, "The Israeli enemy's war against the Palestinian people is not a reaction to a military operation but a reflection of its premeditated intent to wage war and commit genocide against an unarmed people."

Abu Hamza underlined the reliance on divine support, stating, "We embarked on this battle trusting in God, leaving behind our homes, families, and possessions, fully aware of the gravity of the responsibility upon us and our people."

'Axis fought 'Israel' on behalf of 1.5 billion Muslims'

The al-Quds Brigades spokesperson added, "We faced the occupation alongside a faithful group in Yemen, Lebanon, Iraq, and Iran on behalf of 1.5 billion Muslims."

Addressing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he asserted, "From the outset, our motto has been: no matter how long this war lasts, we are up to it."

Abu Hamza recounted the resistance's encounters with Israeli forces, stating, "Everyone witnessed how we confronted the enemy's tanks face-to-face, demonstrating our rightful claim to the land. From the first tank entering Gaza, our fighters were in the field, emerging from tunnels and combat positions to repel the invaders using combat assets." 

He noted that resistance operations persisted until the final moments before the ceasefire, attributing their success to years of preparation and readiness. "The enemy anticipated our surrender with white flags but found only black banners and death in Gaza's battlefields," he said.

Abu Hamza stressed that the Israeli military failed to eliminate the resistance, recover its captives, or achieve any objectives beyond destruction and devastation. "One of the most prominent features of this battle was the legendary resilience of the great Palestinian people, who set an unparalleled example in struggle and steadfastness," he stated.

'People pillar of Palestine'

Addressing the Palestinian people, Abu Hamza said, "You are the pillars of this land and the cornerstone of every hope. Without your steadfastness, resistance would not exist, nor would we have achieved this success."

He commended Gaza's achievements despite the blockade and urged global powers to prioritize the Palestinian cause. He also celebrated the scenes of jubilation across Palestinian cities upon the release of the first batch of prisoners, affirming the resistance's commitment to the ceasefire as long as the enemy abides by it. Abu Hamza revealed that in the coming days, the resistance would release a number of Israeli captives who meet the agreed-upon conditions.

Finally, Abu Hamza expressed gratitude to the mediators in Qatar and Egypt for their efforts in facilitating the prisoner exchange agreement. He extended greetings to the resilient Lebanese people and Hezbollah fighters who fought alongside the resistance, recalling the sacrifices of the late Hezbollah commander Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and his comrades.

He also sent salutes to the people of Yemen and their leader, Sayyed Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, for their missile and drone strikes deep into Israeli territory. Additionally, he thanked Iran for its support in "humiliating the occupation" in operations like True Promise 1 and 2 and expressed gratitude to the Iraqi people and their resistance movements.