Al-Aqsa Storm continuation of Intifada, to result in liberation of Palestine: Hamas
The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says Operation al-Aqsa Storm is the continuation of a heroic Intifada (uprising) that was initiated more than three decades ago and will result in the full liberation of Palestine and the end of Israeli occupation.
Hamas released a statement on Friday on the 36th anniversary of Stone Intifada, also known as First Intifada, which involved mass rallies and fierce clashes that broke out across the Palestinian territories in 1987 after four young Palestinians were killed by Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint in Gaza as well as the shooting death of a 17-year-old boy during an unarmed protest.
The second Intifada began in 2000 and was known as the al-Aqsa Intifada. It was sparked by former Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon’s visit to the al-Aqsa Mosque complex.
“The anniversary of the Stone Intifada on December 8, 1987, comes amid a Nazi aggression launched by the Zionist occupation against our people in the Gaza Strip over more than two months, which has not succeeded in achieving anything,” Hamas said.
“The Stone Intifada was an important milestone in the history of our people’s ongoing struggle. Its spark emanated from the proud land of Gaza and its flame spread throughout all the squares of the nation.”
The statement said Operation al-Aqsa Storm is a “great historical epic” waged by al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing, and other Palestinian resistance groups, and underscores the legitimate right of Palestinian people to defend themselves, their land, and their sanctities.
“Al-Aqsa Storm is a natural continuation of the uprisings of our people to confront the aggression of the Nazi occupation, and to thwart all of its settlement and Judaization plans,” Hamas added.
