‘Thanks to our martyrs’ – Terror groups celebrate ceasefire

Framing ceasefire as victory over Israel, the terror organizations credited Palestinian “sacrifice and heroism” for achieving the deal.

By World Israel News Staff

Gazan terror groups Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) hailed the ceasefire agreement with Israel as a victory over the Jewish state, declaring the truce a triumph for the Palestinian people.

Hamas praised Palestinians around the world, crediting them for achieving a deal that will end fighting in the Gaza Strip, secure the release of 48 living and deceased Israeli hostages, and free approximately 2,000 Palestinians from Israeli prisons, including about 250 convicted of murdering Israelis.

“We salute our great people in the Gaza Strip, in Jerusalem and the West Bank, and throughout our homeland and the diaspora, who have demonstrated unparalleled honor, courage, and heroism — confronting the fascist occupation projects that targeted them and their national rights,” Hamas said in a statement published by the Qatari-controlled outlet Al Jazeera.

“These sacrifices and steadfast positions have thwarted the Israeli occupation’s schemes of subjugation and displacement,” the terror group continued. “We affirm that the sacrifices of our people will not be in vain and that we will remain true to our pledge — never abandoning our people’s national rights until freedom, independence, and self-determination are achieved.”

Islamic Jihad, the second-largest terror organization in Gaza, also issued a statement framing the ceasefire as a victory over Israel.

“We emphasize the enormous sacrifices made by our Palestinian people and the courage and bravery of its fighters on the ground who confronted the enemy forces and showed unprecedented courage in combat,” the PIJ said.

“In these historic moments, our people will not forget their great martyrs who played the most important role in keeping the resistance steadfast,” the terror organization added.

Videos circulating on social media showed Gazans dancing and shouting joyously in the streets after news of the ceasefire broke.

“Honestly, when I heard the news, I couldn’t hold back. Tears of joy flowed,” said Samer Joudeh, a displaced Gazan. “Now, we finally feel like we’re getting a moment of respite.”

The IDF has warned civilians not to return to northern Gaza, stressing that it remains an active combat zone.