Following the launch of Hamas's "Tidal Wave of Al-Aqsa" operation, there were contrasting Arab and international positions; some praised the organization, while others condemned the operation as an aggression against Israel.
The Grand Mufti of Lebanon, Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, praised the "heroes of the Tidal Wave of Al-Aqsa" for their significant battle that confused the Zionist enemy and elevated the status of the Arab and Islamic nations. He stated that this operation confirmed that Palestine is an Arab land resilient with its people and nation. In his statement, he said: "We commend what the Palestinian youth have done; words cannot suffice to express the bravery of the noble Palestinian people in defeating the enemy and capturing many of its soldiers. What happened delighted our hearts and strengthened our resolve to achieve victory, regardless of how long it takes. Today marks an important turning point in the history of the Palestinian cause and represents a significant qualitative leap based on which much will be built. This Israeli occupation of Palestine and its capital, Jerusalem, will eventually come to an end, God willing, despite all the difficult circumstances faced by the Palestinian people." He continued: "What we witnessed from the Palestinians in resisting and defending their land and blood deserves a salute of admiration, respect, and support from all Arab and Islamic peoples to liberate Palestine and Al-Quds from the sea to the river. This is jihad in the path of God, one of the greatest acts of worship, one of the most significant Islamic rituals, and one of the most important obligations. Allah has stated in the Quran about the virtuousness of the fighters: 'Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their wealth, for that is Paradise...’"
Furthermore, the Shiite Mufti, Sheikh Ahmad Qablan, stated in a message: "Because the region is under fire, and Lebanon is a central player in shaping this region and its history, I say to some Lebanese leaders who cling to American contentment and act as cheap contractors, and to some Arab leaders who are crawling towards normalization: Look with regret and despair at how the Atlantic's arsenal, across its different generations, is being crushed by Russia in Ukraine, partnered with Iran. Consider how Washington, Europe, and their military machinery and heavy weapons have been allocated to the elite of the legendary Israeli army, which is being crushed underfoot by the legendary Palestinian resistance, all within the framework of the different operational rooms of the resistance. This is because history, sovereignty, and political decision-making are resistance, nothing else. The old American power has diminished in historical strength and influence in this region, which is reestablishing the largest sections of the world, with the timing solely in the hands of the resistance and its central axis and tools. Meanwhile, America is nothing more than a paper empire, and Israel is merely a lie being uprooted from the ground."
He added: "Here, I speak of history in the version of the resistance's tidal wave that struck the most crucial Israeli military bases and seized Washington's and Europe’s heavy arsenal in an hour, not about blind warplanes engaging in the destruction game. Let some understand that Lebanon's decision lies in Lebanon alone, not in Washington, Europe, or among their minions. To those individuals, I say: Understand the language of history, refine your lessons carefully, and dismiss the trivial dependence on Washington and its short-statured allies. In Lebanese terms, I say: Whoever waits for the American game in Lebanon should expect Hezbollah in Tel Aviv."
