Hamdan: Israel will not liberate its prisoners in Gaza by force

“The occupation did not and will not succeed in liberating its prisoners by force,” Hamdan said in a news conference held in Beirut on Saturday evening.

“Operation Al-Aqsa Flood inflicted a strategic defeat on the occupation state, and al-Qassam Brigades will resume its operation until liberation,” Hamdan affirmed.

Hamdan applauded the Gazans’ insistence on returning to their towns and homes that had been destroyed by the Israeli occupation, saying they reflected their rejection of any plan aimed at displacing them from their homes.

Hamdan announced that his Movement decided to delay the release of Israeli captives, accusing Israel of violating the cease-fire agreement regarding aid trucks and the agreed-upon terms for the release of Palestinians from Israeli jails.

Hamdan said relief trucks that arrived in northern Gaza on Saturday were half of the number that had been agreed upon.

“There are violations committed by the Israelis with regard to implementing the terms of the truce, and some of them occurred yesterday and today,” Hamdan said, adding that another issue at stake was the Israeli army’s killing of two Palestinians on Friday as they tried to reach northern Gaza.

Hamdan welcomed all the efforts and initiatives to end the Israeli aggression and blockade against Gaza, and reiterated his Movement’s rejection of any calls for the participation of foreign forces in the administration of post-war Gaza.

Addressing those who talk about Gaza without Hamas, Hamdan told them to save their time and effort and stop dreaming, stressing that “Gaza will remain Palestinian, resilient, and proud, repelling all its invaders.”