The pullout of Israeli occupation from the Gaza Strip 14 years ago is a turning point in the struggle between the Palestinian people and the Israeli occupation, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qasem said Sunday evening.

In a press release, Qasem stressed that such move had proved that the Palestinian people are able to restore their freedom regardless of how much it costs.

Qasem added that the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza was a strong evidence of the effectivity of the option of resistance, backed with a widespread popular support.   

On the anniversary of the Israeli withdrawal from the coastal enclave, Qasem explained, Gaza’s residents continue their fight by taking part in the Great Return March protests, which have become a milestone in the Palestinian struggle. 

The Israeli withdrawal from Gaza will remain the fruit of the option of resistance across  historic Palestine, Qasem concluded, adding that the popular uprising in the occupied West Bank was one of the main factors that pressured Israel decision-makers to withdraw from the coastal territory.