The executive director and co-founder of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Nihad Awad, said he was “happy” to see people breaking the “siege” on October 7 in the Hamas attacks.
“The people of Gaza only decided to break the siege, the walls of the concentration camp on Oct. 7. And yes, I was happy to see people breaking the siege and throwing down the shackles of their own land and walk free into their lands that they were not allowed to walk in,” Awad said.
“And yes, the people of Gaza have the right to self-defense, had the right to defend themselves. And yes, Israel as an occupying power does not have that right to self-defense.”
“Gaza became the liberation source, the inspiration for people. Gaza transformed many minds around the world, including people who are not Muslim,” he added.
The leader claimed that even if the people in Gaza die, “they are not afraid.”
“What kind of faith these people have. They are thankful; they’re not afraid, and Israel did not scare them. Because they knew that their heaven is in Gaza and they, if they would like to die, they will go to another heaven. That is the faith of the people of Gaza. And that is why Gaza and the people of Gaza were able to transform everyone who was watching.”
“They have learned from these people. And those who felt bad for Gaza, they don’t understand the equation. Those who thought that the Gazans are less than those who can help them, they are mistaken. They are mistaken. The Gazans were the victorious.”
