WarSclerotic

Hamas marks 27 years with vow: ‘The Zionist entity will disappear,’ Israel Hayom, December 15, 2014

Terrorist group marks anniversary with parades and weapons displays, including Gaza-made drone • “Hamas is here and Hamas is stronger than ever,” official Khalil al-Haya says • He warns that Hamas can invade Israel “by sea, by land, and by air.”

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The Hamas terrorist group celebrated on Sunday the 27th anniversary of its founding in a series of showy demonstrations that included parades by its military wing and a display of weapons and ammunition, including a drone manufactured in Gaza.

After radars picked up the drone’s demonstration flight, the Israeli Air Force went on alert, concerned that it might indicate an attempt to penetrate Israeli air space.

In addition, a film clip screened at one of the demonstrations showed a silhouette that the Palestinians claimed was the head of Hamas’ military wing, Mohammed Deif, whom Israel tried to assassinate during Operation Protective Edge this past summer. The fate of Deif, who has survived several previous attempts on his life by Israeli forces, is unknown. The film clip did not feature Deif’s actual voice, only a recording of him speaking during Operation Pillar of Defense in 2012.

The Hamas show of strength also featured speeches against Israel and the Palestinian Authority by senior officials.

“After 27 years, Hamas is here and Hamas is stronger than ever. We have missiles and airplanes and we have the ability to invade the enemy by sea, by land, and by air,” said Hamas official Khalil al-Haya.

“Anyone who things [sic] that Israel is here to stay is mistaken. All of occupied Palestinian will be freed, and the Zionist entity will disappear,” al-Haya said.

Senior Hamas figure Mahmoud al-Zahar called on PA President Mahmoud Abbas to stop coordinating with Israel on security matters, and said that security cooperation between Israel and the Palestinian systems was “a knife in the back.”

The spokesman for Hamas’ military wing, Abu Obeidah, said that the continued “siege” on the Gaza Strip, as well as continued delays in its rehabilitation, could spark another clash.

“Our patience is running out. We won’t agree to more suffering and lack of rehabilitating Gaza from the crimes of Zionist aggression,” Abu Obeidah said.

The military leader also hinted at a possible deal in which Israel would trade Palestinian prisoners for bodies of Israeli soldiers held by Hamas, and expressed thanks to Turkey, Iran, and Qatar for their financial and military assistance.

This entry was posted on December 15, 2014 at 5:22 PM and is filed under Gaza, Hamas, Islam, Israel. You can subscribe via RSS 2.0 feed to this post's comments.

Tags: Gaza, Hamas, Islam, Israel