Masses express appreciation, loyalty in Avenging the Free festival

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Tens of thousands gathered on Friday to participate in the central festival of Avenging the Free, which was organized by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) Movement in the Gaza Strip, Jenin, Lebanon, and Syria, in commemoration of the martyrs of the recent aggression against Gaza.

Masses flocked to Al-Katiba Square in Gaza City to participate in the memorial service for the martyred leaders, who were assassinated during Operation Avenging the Free that the Palestinian Resistance launched in response to the recent Israeli aggression against Gaza.

The participants raised pictures of the martyrs and flags of the Palestinian Resistance factions.

PIJ official, Khamis Al-Haytham, confirmed that the preparations for the Avenging the Free festival were in full swing, and tremendous efforts were being made to make sure the celebration was up to the expectations of the huge masses.

"This ceremony is aimed at honoring the martyrs and their sacrifices,” he said.

#فلسطين | مقاوم من سرايا القدس يُقبل رأس طفل خلال مهرجان "ثأر الأحرار" على أرض الكتيبة غرب مدينة غزة. pic.twitter.com/4Ihzjv9S8l

— غرب آسيا - فلسطين (@WANpalestine) May 19, 2023

Al-Haytham added that, through this festival, the PIJ wishes to express its appreciation and loyalty to the sacrifices of the Palestinian people and to bring the masses together over the option of resistance.

The PIJ movement "will not abandon the Palestinian people who stood by its side in the worst circumstances," he stressed.

He added that the enemy's plans were foiled by the might of the masses who “will prove today their [ultimate] loyalty and support for the Resistance."

On his part, the head of PIJ's political division, Mohammad Al-Hindi, provided an answer to whoever might wonder what the guarantees for the ceasefire agreement are, saying, “We know very well that the Zionist entity has no respect for any agreement or document, but the guarantee is our unity and strength, which prevent the enemy from making any achievements.”

Al-Hindi pointed out that the strength and unity of the Palestinian people always force the enemy to take a step back, stressing that the weak have no place or consideration in this unjust world.

He further stressed that only force is the prevailing element in this struggle and confrontation with the Zionist entity.

At the same time, PFLP Central Committee member Maher Mezher said the martyrs established with their spilled blood a deterrence equation and new engagement rules to deter the enemy in this battle.

He added, "The comrades of the path and the journey in Al-Quds Brigades, along with the other Resistance factions, fought this battle with valor, spearheading the confrontation against the aggression throughout this battle."

بالصور .. وحدة الدفاع الجوي في سرايا القدس خلال مشاركتهم في مهرجان #ثأر_الاحرار في ساحة الكتيبة بقطاع #غزة .✊🇵🇸#فلسطين_المحتلة #فلسطين #غزه_تقاوم #غزة_ثأر_الأحرار #سرايا_القدس #الجهاد_الإسلامي #الجامعة_العربية #قمة_جدة pic.twitter.com/ChxnY9HhMM

— حسين علاء الابيض (@Hussein_alaa_3) May 19, 2023

Mezher addressed the heroes of Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarm, Areeha, Al-Khalil, and Ramallah (the Shield of Al-Quds), saying, "We are proud of your resistance and your sacrifices."

Addressing everyone who was martyred in the latest Israeli aggression, Randa Musa, wife of martyr Khader Adnan, said, "We remain faithful to the promise."

"I say to the fighters of Al-Quds Brigades, you have cooled our hearts and extinguished a part of the fire that burns in our chests," she added.

Last week, an Egyptian-mediated ceasefire ended a five-day Israeli aggression against Gaza, that left 33 Palestinian martyrs, including six PIJ commanders, and more than 100 injuries.