Hamas has praised its October 7 attack on Israel as “glorious” in a video message commemorating the first anniversary of the event, which initiated the conflict in Gaza.
In the video, Khalil al-Hayya, a Qatar-based member of Hamas, claimed that the event shattered the illusions of enemy superiority, stating, “The crossing of the glorious 7th of October convinced the world and the region of the supposed superiority and capabilities the enemy had created for itself.”
Last year’s October 7 attack resulted in 1,205 deaths, mostly civilians, based on an AFP tally using Israeli official figures, which include hostages killed in captivity. Since the conflict began, the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reports that at least 41,870 Palestinians, predominantly civilians, have died due to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. The UN considers these figures reliable.
Al-Hayya remarked on the resilience of the Palestinian people, especially in Gaza, saying, “A year after the October 7 attack, all of Palestine, particularly Gaza, and our Palestinian people are writing a new history with their resistance, blood, and steadfastness.”
He highlighted the resilience of Gazans against displacement and described the severe conditions they face, stating, “Despite the kinds of torture and terrorism you have endured, and the horrific genocide and daily massacre.”
Al-Hayya, who has become the public face of Hamas following the killing of its former leader Ismail Haniyeh in July, emphasized the ongoing struggle and resilience of the people in Gaza amidst the conflict.
