The Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas has on Thursday mourned seven resistance fighters who died when a tunnel they were repairing collapsed.

In a press statement, Hamas mourned the fighters, and called on Palestinians to rally around armed resistance and reject all forms of security coordination with the Israeli occupation.

“Those men died as they were preparing for anti-occupation resistance. They have sacrificed their souls to defend their land and holy sites,” the statement read.

“They are the source of the nation’s honor,” Hamas said, adding that those who have remained mum over the Israeli crimes and have been propping up security coordination are the nation’s enemies.

“Armed resistance is the only road towards the liberation of Palestine. Our people’s sacrifices shall never go in vain,” the Movement further added.

Hamas also urged Arabs and Muslims to back up the Palestinian resistance with all means possible, and to speak up against enemies of the resistance.

Seven members of al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's armed wing, had died when a tunnel built for fighting against the Israeli occupation forces collapsed earlier this week in Gaza.