Abu Obaida, the spokesperson of Hamas’ military wing Al Qassam Brigades, urged continued attacks on Israel in his first video message in more than six weeks on Tuesday, marking 200 days of the Israel-Hamas war.
"We will keep attacking the enemy with different techniques as long as the aggression continues on our land," Abu Obaida said. Hamas fighters would "keep coming out to fight the enemy," he added.
He also praised Iran's unprecedented strikes on Israel earlier this month, saying the attack's "size and nature, established new rules and confused the enemy's calculations." Iran launched a large-scale drone and missile attack at Israel in retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic complex in Syria. The Israeli military said 99% of the more than 300 projectiles fired were intercepted.
Abu Obaida also slammed Israel's role in the hostage release and ceasefire negotiations, saying Israel is "trying to renounce all his promises" and wants to "gain more time." Israel and the US have blamed Hamas for holding up negotiations by making unreasonable demands.