Former Hamas Leader Urges Global Protests and ‘Jihad’ in Support of Palestinians

In a provocative move, former Hamas leader and co-founder Khalid Mashal has issued a call for Muslims worldwide to engage in global protests and a form of “jihad” on Friday, October 13, 2023.

In a video message released earlier this week, Mashal urged Muslims across the world to take concrete actions in support of the Palestinian cause. He emphasized the need to move beyond theoretical discussions of “jihad” and called for tangible efforts to advance the Palestinian struggle.

Notably, he referred to the designated date as the “Friday of Al-Aqsa flood,” signifying its significance in the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Mashal’s call encouraged Muslims to express their anger and solidarity, both within Muslim-majority countries and among the Muslim diaspora worldwide.

Furthermore, the translation provided by Rachid Hammami, also known as Brother Rachid, described Mashal’s appeal for financial support from Muslims worldwide, terming it as “Financial Jihad.” This financial aid, according to Mashal, would contribute to compensating the Palestinian fighters for the losses incurred during the conflict.

In addition to financial support, Mashal called for political pressure to halt Israel’s military operations in Gaza. He appealed to Muslim leaders and nations to exert diplomatic influence and intervene in the conflict to protect the rights and interests of the Palestinians.

Mashal’s statement also included a call for individual commitment to “jihad by their souls,” urging Muslims to be prepared to fight and even become martyrs for the cause of Al-Aqsa. He specifically called upon Muslims living in the countries surrounding Israel, such as Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt, to mobilize and attempt to enter the borders of Israel in a show of solidarity and determination. He viewed this as the moment to transform “jihad” from a theoretical concept into a practical reality.

In his closing remarks, Mashal emphasized the significance of not only financial contributions but also the willingness of Muslims to offer their blood and souls as a sacrifice for Palestine. This stark call to action has raised concerns and intensified the ongoing tensions in the region.

The provocative statement by Mashal comes in the wake of a recent attack by Hamas militants on Israel, resulting in the loss of numerous lives. The situation in the Middle East remains tense, and international observers are closely monitoring the developments following Mashal’s call for global protests and “jihad” in support of the Palestinian cause.