Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qasem said that Israeli plans to attack Gaza would not dissuade the Palestinian people from continuing their struggle to restore their lands and holy sites.   

Qasem’s comments came following reports of a plan set by Israeli chief of staff Aviv Kochavi to launch a military offensive against Gaza.

Citing that the plan includes the Israeli occupation’s intention to destroy capabilities of the Palestinian resistance, Qasem said that the Israeli occupation failed to achieve its goals throughout the past three offensives on Gaza.

Qasem noted that the alleged plan came as part of Kochavi’s endeavours to make an empty victory.  

The Hamas spokesperson stressed that the Palestinian resistance would continue to defend its people until ending the occupation.

Qasem noted that the Palestinian resistance managed to impose “new equations” on the ground despite the stark imbalance of power in favour of the Israeli occupation, adding that the latest aggression against Gaza proved the failure of Israeli military options to suppress the Palestinian people.   

“Kochavi and the occupation will leave,” Qasem concluded. “But, the Palestinian people will stay steadfast on their lands and the resistance would remain protective shield of its people.”