Karachi (News Reporter): Dr. Khaled Qaddoumi, spokesperson for the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, has made it clear that if the enemy chooses war over peace, Hamas is prepared for battle once again. He warned that if Israel initiates another war, it must always remember October 7.
On Monday, Dr. Khaled Qaddoumi addressed journalists at the Karachi Press Club, where he recalled that former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat had refused to accept two key demands: handing over Jerusalem to Israel and denying Palestinian refugees the right to return to their homeland. This refusal, he claimed, led to Arafat’s assassination.
Highlighting Hamas’s military capabilities, Dr. Qaddoumi stated that Palestinian fighters used gliders to infiltrate 40 kilometers into Israeli territory and carry out attacks. He asserted that Hamas has already won the war on diplomatic and media fronts by dismantling Israel’s narrative worldwide. According to him, Israel has acknowledged that 6,000 of its soldiers have been killed in the conflict.
He emphasized that Palestinians belong only to Palestine and have no intention of leaving their homeland. Despite Israel’s aggression, the vast majority of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents remain steadfast. He noted that only 150,000 Palestinians have left, primarily for medical treatment or educational purposes. “The people of Gaza stand firmly with Hamas, and that is our strength,” he added.
Dr. Qaddoumi condemned Israel’s actions, stating that it has blocked Gaza’s water supply for the past 15 days while the Muslim world remains silent. He also accused Israel of repeatedly violating ceasefire agreements. He expressed gratitude to independent journalists and free media outlets for exposing Israeli and American propaganda.
He asserted that Hamas has treated Israeli captives according to Islamic principles, ensuring their humane treatment. He recounted that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was starving for three days before his martyrdom, yet Israeli prisoners in Hamas custody were never deprived of food. He claimed that all Israeli hostages released by Hamas were in good health.
Regarding U.S. involvement, Dr. Qaddoumi stated that the American administration does not want to be dragged into another war. He insisted that Israel has no option but to adhere to the ceasefire agreement and that Hamas has informed mediators that it will only accept terms already agreed upon by Israel.
“No matter what standards the world sets, Hamas has achieved success on all fronts,” he said, adding that Israel is now facing diplomatic isolation. He cited an example of France refusing to welcome an Israeli delegation at the annual Holocaust conference due to public pressure.
Dr. Qaddoumi expressed appreciation for the Pakistani government and its people, acknowledging their unwavering support for the Palestinian cause. He further stated that over 80% of historical Palestine is occupied by Israel and that Palestinians have never been granted the right to determine their own future.
He reiterated that Hamas has its own red lines: “If Israel crosses them, we will respond.” He also rejected any external interference in Palestinian leadership decisions, emphasizing that Hamas will not allow anyone to dictate who governs Palestine.
Regarding governance in Gaza, he mentioned that a technocratic committee is prepared to oversee the reconstruction of the region. However, he assured that Gaza’s administrative structure is intact, with leadership elections already conducted. “We will soon deliver a surprise regarding Gaza’s leadership,” he stated.
Commenting on former U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies, Dr. Qaddoumi remarked that any decision regarding Gaza that excludes Hamas is now impossible. He claimed that Trump’s attempts to relocate Palestinians to other countries had failed, as even those nations rejected the proposal before Hamas could respond. “This is a testament to our diplomatic success,” he noted.
He asserted that an independent Palestinian state would secure the borders of both Egypt and Jordan. Regarding Hamas’s relations with Saudi Arabia, he said that ties remain positive, with ongoing communication at various levels.
Dr. Qaddoumi concluded by stating that the “Al-Aqsa Flood” operation has marked the end of American dominance in the Middle East. He emphasized that the people of Gaza have not only endured immense sacrifices but have also inflicted severe blows on the enemy. “The resilience and determination of the people of Gaza are unparalleled in the world,” he declared.
