Originally published October 11, 2023 5:47 pm PDT
The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, issued an alarming statement on Tuesday, marking Friday, October 13 as “Al-Aqsa Flood Friday.”
In the statement, the group directs not only Palestinians but also the wider global community to “mobilize” and “participate actively.”
The declaration emphasizes, “Go forth, whether light or heavy, and strive with your wealth and your lives in the cause of Allah. That is better for you, if you only knew.”
Their call seeks to “expose the occupation and earn the honor of taking part in defending Al-Aqsa Mosque.”
Explicitly addressing Palestinians within Israel, Hamas states: “This day is your day to mobilize, assemble, and stand united in guarding the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque.”
Hamas broadens its appeal beyond regional confines, declaring, “From Palestine, the land of Al-Isra and Al-Mi’raj, from the heart of Jerusalem and its surroundings, we extend this call to the living conscience within the hearts of the masses of our Arab and Islamic nation.”
Highlighting their intention for an international response, they proclaim, “We declare next Friday, ‘The Friday of the Al-Aqsa Flood,’ as a day of general mobilization in our Arab and Islamic world and among the free people of the world. It is a day to rally support, offer aid, and participate actively.”
“It is a day to expose the crimes of the occupation, isolate it, and foil all its aggressive schemes. It is a day to demonstrate our love for Palestine, Jerusalem, and Al-Aqsa,” Hamas continues. “It is a day for sacrifice, heroism, and dedication, and to earn the honor of defending the first Qibla of Muslims, the third holiest mosque, and the ascension of the trusted Messenger.”
The militant group calls upon “our rebellious youth throughout the West Bank, in its cities, villages, and uprising camps, in the streets and neighborhoods of Jerusalem, and at the squares of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, to rise up, join massive demonstrations, and shake the ground beneath the feet of the Zionist invaders and their settler gangs. Engage with their soldiers and cowardly army in every place, affirming the unity of destiny and the path towards Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa, liberating them from the defilement of the Zionist occupation.”
The gravity of their global call is further underscored as they urge, “We call upon the masses of our Arab and Islamic nation and our Palestinian people in all places, including refugee camps and the diaspora, to march towards the borders of our beloved Palestine in massive gatherings. On this day, we declare our solidarity with Palestine, Jerusalem, and Al-Aqsa.”
Their appeal to the international community is pronounced: “We call upon the free people of the world to mobilize in solidarity with our Palestinian people and in support of their just cause and legitimate rights to freedom, independence, return, and self-determination.”
In their rallying cry, Hamas states, “Oh sons of our people, the masses of our Arab and Islamic nation, and all free individuals, Here is Palestine calling out to you, and Al-Aqsa Mosque calling out to you.”
Hamas is a Sunni Islamist political and militant organization that controls the Gaza Strip, bordered by Israel to the east and north, and Egypt to the southwest.
Their international announcement comes amid an ongoing escalation around the Gaza Strip, where conflict broke out after the militant group launched a massive attack on Israel.
The aggression resulted in the killing of more than 1,000 people, mostly civilians.
Israel retaliated with a massive bombing campaign against Gaza, which has claimed the lives of more than 900 people.
