Hamas leader thanks Jordan for support to Gaza

AMMAN/BAQAA CAMP –– Jordan has always been there for Palestine, and has proven to be the most generous nation in supporting Gaza under Israeli aggression, Hamas Politburo Chief Khaled Mishaal said on Friday.

In a televised speech to participants in a rally held in Amman to celebrate the ceasefire in Gaza, Mishaal thanked Jordan for sending aid convoys to Gaza, praying that God protect the Kingdom.

“Your kin in Jerusalem and Gaza appreciate your support for the resistance,” said the leader of Hamas, the Islamist movement that controls the Gaza Strip.

Thousands of Jordanians on Friday described the open-ended ceasefire in Gaza, mediated by Egypt, as a “victorious accomplishment” by the Palestinian resistance. 

They celebrated the end of the Israeli war on Gaza in a rally organised by the Muslim Brotherhood under the title “We are all resistance.”

The open-ended ceasefire took effect last Tuesday, with Israel and Hamas agreeing to an indefinite halt to hostilities, the immediate opening of Gaza’s blockaded crossings with Israel and Egypt, and a widening of the territory’s fishing zone in the Mediterranean, according to Reuters.

Palestinian health officials say 2,139 people, most of them civilians, including more than 490 children, have been killed in the enclave since July 8, when Israel launched the offensive, according to Reuters.

Abu Abdullah, who came to the Friday rally with his wife and children, said all Jordanians support the Palestinian resistance. 

“The open-ended ceasefire is a great indication that the resistance movement was victorious,” he told The Jordan Times. 

Mohammad Zghoon, who came from Ajloun, said the events in Gaza give hope that Palestine will be free soon. 

“I have high hopes that we will pray at Al Aqsa soon,” he added. 

Meanwhile, local NGO One Love – Jordan organised a day of activities for children at the Baqaa Refugee Camp on Saturday to celebrate Gaza’s “victory”.

“We wanted to hold a celebration for Jordanian and Palestinian orphans in the Baqaa camp to mark the victory of Gaza,” said Hala Abu Al Rub, one of the event’s organisers. 

Children between the ages of two and 13 took part in the event, which featured the Palestinian dabka and patriotic songs. 

Suhaib Mansour, 13, said he attended the activity to celebrate Gaza’s victory. 

“I am sad that the Zionist enemy made my family flee Palestine.”  

Moamen Khader, another child who took part in the event, voiced hope that he will be able to go back to Palestine when he grows up, to set it free. 

For 55-year-old Hanan Hijazi, the steadfastness of the Palestinian resistance in Gaza boosted the morale of all Palestinians worldwide. 

The mother of six said she kept praying for the resistance day and night, asking God to help them win.  

“For me, what happened in Gaza was much better and happier than attending one of my children’s weddings,” she told The Jordan Times.