Khalil al-Hayya, deputy head of Hamas' political bureau, has declared that the defeat of the Israeli occupation is now within reach and that the liberation of all Palestine is possible.

In a speech on 31 January, al-Hayya stated that the Al-Aqsa Flood operation had achieved its objectives, humiliating the Israeli entity and shattering the myth of its invincibility. He also announced the deaths of several senior resistance commanders during Israel's ongoing war on Gaza.

He emphasised that their sacrifices had paved the way for a new generation of leaders committed to the struggle for the liberation of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa. He praised the resilience of the Palestinian people, highlighting the release of prisoners and the retreat of Israeli forces from parts of Gaza as signs of victory.

Al-Hayya paid tribute to Mohammed Deif, the legendary Qassam Brigades commander, who was assassinated after decades of evading Israeli attempts to eliminate him. He recalled Deif’s early days in the resistance, when Hamas had no weapons but only a clear vision and an unshakable will.

The Qassam Brigades confirmed the deaths of several key commanders, including Deif, Marwan Issa, and Ahmed al-Ghandour, who played vital roles in resisting Israel’s invasion of Gaza. The Axis of Resistance factions have mourned their loss, vowing to continue the fight for Palestinian liberation.