Khaled Mashaal, the former head of the political bureau of Hamas, has urged demonstrations across the Arab and Islamic world on Friday in support of the Palestinians and urged neighboring countries to join the fight against Israel. Mashaal, who currently heads Hamas's overseas office, made the call in a recorded statement sent to Reuters, calling for people to gather in "the squares and arenas in the Arab and Islamic street on the Friday of Al-Aqsa's deluge."
Speaking from Qatar, Mashaal stated: "I address, of course, the surrounding countries first—Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt—officially and publicly, your duty is greater because you are closest to Palestine." He added, "I address in Jordan their noble tribes and camps; this is the moment of truth, the borders are close to you, and everyone knows their responsibility."
Jordan and Lebanon host the largest number of Palestinian refugees. Mashaal's call came as Israel has vowed to escalate its response to Hamas's attack with a ground assault after its warplanes struck more than 200 targets in Gaza City last night. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that at least 950 people have been killed and five thousand others injured in the densely populated coastal enclave.
Mashaal said: "O our nation, Gaza is calling for your help—humanitarian and financial aid. Everyone who can strive with money must do so just as they strive with their lives. Where are the scholars who issue a fatwa declaring the necessity of fighting on the land of Palestine? What are you waiting for? For Al-Aqsa to be demolished?"
