Haneyya: Gaza an icon of resistance

“The Palestinian resistance in Gaza has done extremely well and stood its ground in the face of the Israeli occupation,” deputy head of Hamas political bureau, Ismail Haneyya said on Saturday.

Speaking during the funeral procession of the Hamas affiliate Youssef Mahawesh, Haneyya said: “All Arabs and Muslims know very well how Gaza has stood firm all the way through the Israeli offensives, most notably the 2014 war,” code-named by the Israeli army as Operation Protective Edge.

“Today we bid farewell to a Palestinian icon and a decent instructor,” said Haneyya as he mourned the death of Mahawesh. “Those who had lived with him behind Israeli bars know what sort of man he was.”

First deputy speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) Ahmad Bahar and political bureau members of Hamas Khalil al-Hayya, Mahmoud al-Zahhar, and Rawhi Mushtaha were in attendance.

“Mahawesh was one of the founders of Hamas movement. He was a prominent leader, partner, and advice-giver. He will forever remain in our hearts,” stated Bahar.

MP al-Hayya also hailed Mahawesh, saying: “Today, with deep pain in our hearts, we bid last farewell to a man who has always had an outstanding repute.”

A native of Shuja’iya, in the blockaded Gaza Strip, Youssef Mahawesh has been a prominent Hamas affiliate. He has gained a renowned status as an anti-occupation activist and an eloquent Muslim preacher.