Hamas in Lebanon sees truce as 'great proof of victory and strength'

The head of political and media relations for the Hamas movement in Lebanon, Abdel Majid al-Awad, said Sunday that the cease-fire agreement in Gaza marks “an important step in the history of the Palestinian people's struggle and a great proof of victory and strength,” according to a statement cited by the National News Agency (NNA).

“The Zionist occupation, after losing its prestige during the Oct. 7, 2023, offensive, could not regain it despite a genocidal war backed by all the forces of evil in the world. The resistance and our Palestinian people have thwarted the occupation's plans and objectives,” he added.

“The image of victory and the strategic surprise of Oct. 7 will remain etched in the world's mind, as the Palestinian cause regained its global status after the world attempted to normalize the presence of the Zionist entity in the region,” al-Awad said. “What happened during the genocidal war confirmed that the Israeli occupier respects no resolution or convention and deserves a stronger and harsher punishment than what occurred on Oct. 7,” he continued.

“Palestinian refugees participated in this heroic battle, as the camps provided a large number of martyrs,” al-Awad added, praising the Lebanese people “who supported the Palestinian people and its resistance from the very first moment and provided the best commanders and soldiers in the war against Lebanon.”

Several demonstrations are planned Sunday in Palestinian camps in Lebanon to celebrate the enactment of the cease-fire, which took effect nearly three hours late due to a final issue involving the delivery of a list of three hostages from Hamas to Israel. Meanwhile, the Israeli army bombarded the Palestinian enclave, resulting in several casualties.