In an appearance on Al Jazeera Network, Gaza imam and Hamas tribal official Hussein Abu Ayada framed the current conflict as a religious and ideological war between Islam and Jews. He asserted that Allah has decreed Gaza’s young men will become leaders of the Islamic nation and spearhead what he described as the “liberation of the world,” adding that Palestine will ultimately be liberated.

Abu Ayada further characterized Judaism as a “distorted faith” and said the people of Gaza are destined to continue fighting until victory or martyrdom. He also criticized Gulf states, accusing them of opposing Hamas–Fatah reconciliation and of supporting Jews in the destruction of Gaza. The remarks echo his past rhetoric, including a 2011 sermon in which he publicly called for violent action against Tel Aviv.

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