As of January 20, in the United States, all eyes were on the farewell speech delivered by former President Joe Biden before the inauguration of the new president. This speech, widely followed across the globe, was Biden’s effort to present an account of his four years in office, highlighting areas he claimed showed progress under his leadership.
Just three days before the end of his term, Biden portrayed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas as a success, marking it as one of his administration’s accomplishments. However, those watching the broadcast on Al Jazeera witnessed an abrupt interruption. The live coverage was cut to air a prerecorded statement by Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for Hamas’ military wing. This editorial choice raised questions: was it truly necessary to interrupt such a significant broadcast for Abu Ubaida’s remarks? While opinions may differ, many viewed this as a bold and symbolic move.
Throughout Biden's speech, particularly regarding the Middle East, much of what he said was dismissed by critics as either outright falsehoods or of negligible importance. For 471 days, the U.S. under Biden’s leadership had not only remained passive in the face of what was described as genocide against Gaza's people but also provided unconditional support to Israel. Critics argue that any U.S. president has the power to intervene and halt such actions. Trump’s stance, even before taking office, demonstrated America’s potential to influence these matters, inadvertently exposing the U.S. role in the alleged human rights violations.
In stark contrast to Biden’s address, Abu Ubaida’s statement was seen as compelling, coherent, and resonating with those seeking justice. Even adversaries found themselves drawn to his words. Notably, some Israeli media outlets had previously remarked that Abu Ubaida’s statements offered more clarity on Gaza’s ground realities than those of Netanyahu, whose claims often lacked credibility. Since October 7, developments in Gaza consistently contradicted Netanyahu’s declarations while aligning with Abu Ubaida’s predictions.
One of the most significant outcomes of the Al-Aqsa Flood operation has been the credibility it has brought to Abu Ubaida’s narrative, shaking the foundations of Israeli and American accounts. Zionist narratives, long propagated through media, literature, politics, and cinema, have suffered a symbolic defeat, particularly in the face of Hamas and its spokesperson.
Even within Israel, trust in Netanyahu has eroded, with many citizens turning to Abu Ubaida’s updates for reliable information. Netanyahu and other Israeli officials have been accused of misleading their own people, while Abu Ubaida has maintained accuracy in his statements. His transparency, including acknowledging the potential for heavy Palestinian losses, has further solidified his reputation. He has consistently emphasized that their struggle is a jihad, encompassing both victory and martyrdom.
Abu Ubaida’s latest address could be described as a victory manifesto. He began by thanking Allah for granting this success, quoting verses from Surah Al-Isra to highlight the theological underpinnings of their resistance. He underscored that resistance to occupation must be rooted in religious principles, countering the occupier’s distorted use of theology to justify aggression.
One of the speech’s most striking elements was its acknowledgment of the sacrifices made, particularly the martyrdom of key leaders such as Yahya Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh, and Saleh Al-Arouri. Unlike movements where leadership deaths weaken the cause, the loss of these figures has only galvanized the resistance. Yahya Sinwar’s martyrdom, in particular, has turned him into a symbol of unparalleled heroism, inspiring not only Gaza’s people but also freedom movements worldwide.
Abu Ubaida’s declaration underscored that this struggle is driven by unwavering belief, free from personal gain or worldly ambitions. His words served as a reminder that their cause is sacred, with martyrdom viewed as the highest honor. The leaders’ willingness to sacrifice themselves has been hailed as a testament to the sincerity of their mission.
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