Mashaal: Al-Quds the core of Palestinian issue

Chairman of Hamas political bureau Khaled Mishaal, during his speech at the Fourth Al-Quds Festival on Friday night, asserted that Al-Quds would be only restored by resistance.

Mishaal said that Al-Quds is the core of the Palestine issue, saying that: “There will be neither Palestine nor Palestinian issue without Jerusalem (Al-Quds)”.

He said in the festival, organized by the World Association of Muslim Scholars in the Qatari capital Doha in the presence of Palestinian, Qatari, Arab and Islamic figures, that Israel is benefiting from international collusion and distorts Al-Quds landmarks and history at will, adding, “Our challenge as Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims, and Christians lies in how we can restore Jerusalem and liberate Palestine.”

He said, Al-Quds was stolen from us by the aggressor and it will be restored by resistance. Today we need more power and more unity along with world backing so that we can achieve our goal.

The Hamas leader stressed the need for national reconciliation and putting aside all differences, saying, “There is no way for the restoration of Al-Quds under division.” “National unity is a must,” Mishaal said, adding that reconciliation will remain on its course regardless of obstacles.

Concerning the issue of Palestinian detainees, Mashaal affirmed that they are at the top of Palestinian concern and that the occupation “is responsible for any harm done to the great (detained) leaders.”

The Hamas leader said that the Arab Spring would not be complete until Al-Quds is liberated.

Finally, he ended his speech by asserting that Hamas is a unified movement.