Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades - the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) - praised the Syrian people, commending the crowds that took to the streets chanting for resistance and solidarity with Al-Aqsa Mosque and Palestinian prisoners.
In a message published via his official account on the "Telegram" platform early Thursday, Abu Ubaida conveyed the resistance's greetings, stating: "From the heart of Gaza, and from Jerusalem and its surroundings, we extend our greetings to the proud Syrian people and its masses who have come out chanting for resistance, and in support of Al-Aqsa and the prisoners."
Event Details
The spokesperson addressed the Syrian crowds saying: "We have heard your voice, and we are proud of you, and our hopes are pinned on you and all the free people after God." Several Syrian provinces witnessed widespread popular activities, including protests and large demonstrations, expressing solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and rejecting the death penalty law for prisoners passed by the Knesset.
In a demonstration covered by the "Syria Now" platform affiliated with Al Jazeera, protesters chanted slogans condemning Israeli violations, the most prominent being "Where are you, Salah al-Din? They slaughtered us in Palestine." Participants expressed their solidarity with the suffering of Palestinians, with one participant telling the platform: "We are here in a serious attempt, a necessary moral and humanitarian effort (to stop what is happening)."
Context and Background
These events come at a sensitive time, as the Israeli Knesset has finally approved - in its second and third readings - a bill imposing the death penalty on Palestinian prisoners, a move that has drawn widespread condemnation from Arab and international communities. Israel has completely closed Al-Aqsa Mosque since the onset of the Israeli-American war on Iran on February 28, marking the first time since the occupation of East Jerusalem in the 1967 war that prayers for Eid al-Fitr were banned there.
Despite condemnations from Arab and Islamic countries, Israeli authorities continue to refuse to reopen the mosque to worshippers, heightening tensions in the region.
Consequences and Impact
These events are indicative of a rising Arab public awareness regarding the Palestinian cause, as the popular support in Syria reflects the deep historical and cultural ties between the two peoples. Additionally, the recent Israeli escalation against prisoners and Al-Aqsa Mosque could exacerbate the situation in the region and intensify popular protests.
The solidarity shown by the Syrian people reflects the common challenges faced by Arab nations under Israeli policies and reinforces the idea of Arab unity in the face of occupation.
Impact on the Arab Region
The repercussions of these events extend beyond Syria and Palestine, as they contribute to strengthening the resistance spirit in other Arab countries. The increase in popular protests across various Arab nations may exert greater pressure on governments to take a more active role in supporting the Palestinian cause.
In conclusion, hope remains pinned on the Arab and Islamic peoples to achieve unity and solidarity, and to work together for the support of just causes, foremost among them the Palestinian issue.