Question: First of all, I would like to congratulate you and the great nation of Palestine, as well as its heroic Resistance, on the achievement of a divine victory against the occupying Zionist regime. As my initial question, you and your accompanying delegation met with Imam Khamenei. What were the topics discussed during this meeting, and how do you assess the importance of this meeting, particularly at this point in time and following the achievement of divine victory [over the Zionist regime]?
Mr. Darwish: This meeting provided an excellent opportunity to converse and engage in dialogue with the Leader of the Islamic Revolution regarding matters related to the Palestinian issue, especially after the Palestinian Resistance was able to achieve this significant victory, breaking the enemy's might and stopping it within its limits. The enemy did not achieve any of its goals in this battle. It was not able to destroy Hamas, nor was it able to return its captives, or maintain a presence in Gaza. Accepting defeat, it retreated, and the displaced [Palestinian] people returned to their homeland, leaving Gaza and Palestine proud and dignified. The meeting with the Leader of the Islamic Revolution served as a period to strengthen the opportunities for Resistance in the region, as he has always supported the Palestinian issue and matters concerning the oppressed. During our meeting, he emphasized his extensive support for the Palestinian people and their just cause, as well as support for the Resistance in Palestine and the region. We are very optimistic about this meeting and must say that the Leader of the Islamic Revolution has, time and time again, on every occasion, showed us that he is the greatest supporter of this Resistance. By God’s will and permission, we will achieve victory alongside each other.
Question: One and a half years has passed since the epic of the Al-Aqsa Flood. During this time, we have seen the Resistance facing numerous challenges and pressures. The Resistance and the Palestinian people have sacrificed around 50,000 martyrs and hundreds of thousands of wounded on the path of Islam. The enemy has destroyed people's homes and assassinated leaders and heroes of the Resistance. Despite all this and in light of a ceasefire, how do you perceive the morale of the people of Gaza, and what message do they wish to convey to the world and the Islamic Ummah following this victory?
Mr. Darwish: First of all, I would like to honor the commanders and all the martyrs of our nation who were martyred. I salute the wounded and wish them a speedy recovery. Our nation has become accustomed to making sacrifice. Our great nation is used to making sacrifices on the path of its goals and in the quest to liberate its land and homeland.
The morale of the Palestinian people in Gaza is excellent, and there's a strong sense among the people that they have achieved a great victory against the [Zionist] enemy, and also against the entire Western system and apparatus that supported the aggression against us. From the very first day, on October 7, we achieved victory and stood firm for 15 months. It must be said that the Palestinian people have the greatest share in this victory. In achieving this victory, first the people and then the Resistance played a role. The Palestinian people and the Resistance were united in this battle to break the enemy's might, and by God's will, we shattered the enemy's might and power.
The message of the Palestinian people to the world is that the Resistance will be victorious, and the Palestinian nation will, by the grace of God Almighty, liberate Quds and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Question: What is the most important factor that led to the Resistance’s victory in Gaza? We saw that the Resistance prevented the enemy from achieving its goals – the same goals that the enemy had declared at the beginning of the war. Nevertheless, it was in the end that this Resistance was able to impose its conditions on the enemy. We clearly observed that the enemy faced an irreparable defeat. How do you view the significance of this issue, and considering what has been asked, what do you believe is the most important factor in the realization of the Resistance's victory?
Mr. Darwish: The main factor behind this victory was the faith of the Palestinian people, as well as their strong conviction that belief in God and the pursuit of victory are the factors that would lead them to success. [Secondly,] it was the preparation of equipment and readiness for resistance, along with the heroic Resistance brigades, that were able to defeat the enemy on their own land, in Gaza. Another factor is the extraordinary and miraculous steadfastness of the Palestinian people. The 15 months of the Palestinian people's resistance against genocide and destruction is a miracle from the Almighty God for this nation.
Question: Recently, we saw US President Donald Trump making delusional statements about the future of Gaza and the forced displacement of its residents. Are these remarks new? We have seen similar projects in the past, and of course, we are familiar with the outcomes. In light of these statements, we saw that the people of Gaza took a great measure and returned to northern Gaza. This is the first time that the Palestinians have been expelled from an area, only to see the Resistance compel the Zionists to withdraw, enabling the Palestinian people to return to that same region. What are your thoughts on Trump's statements, especially considering that we are currently witnessing renewed military operations by the enemy in the West Bank despite their previous setbacks?
Mr. Darwish: The response to Trump and his administration is something the Palestinian nation accomplished in one day. In just one day or within 48 hours, half a million Palestinians returned to their homeland, to a place where there were no homes, tents, or shelter. Nevertheless, even with nothing, they sat on the ground and, like olive trees, they remained steadfast in their land. This was the greatest response to Trump and his projects – plans and projects that, thanks to the resilience of the people and the Palestinian Resistance, have been swept away by the will of God.
Question: In your opinion, what are the Zionists seeking in the West Bank?
Mr. Darwish: Currently, there are widespread attacks and aggressions against the West Bank, and the aim is to destroy the Resistance there. However, never, never [will that happen]. The Resistance in the West Bank has taken root just like it has in Gaza. They [the Zionists] have not succeeded over time in eliminating the Resistance Front in the West Bank. By God’s will, the Resistance will continue there, and it will intensify and break the might of the [Zionists] in the refugee camps and cities of the West Bank.
Question: In one of his speeches, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution pointed out that remarkable fighters like Yahya Sinwar have changed the fate of the region. As you are aware, developments in the region were moving towards normalizing relations with the Zionist regime. Now, following the ceasefire, discussions about normalization have resurfaced. In your opinion, under such circumstances, what steps should governments and people in the region take to confront the normalization of relations with the Zionist enemy?
Mr. Darwish: [Operation] Al-Aqsa Flood has become a thorn in the side of normalization. When the October 7 [operation] occurred, it completely brought the normalization train to a halt. The normalization train came to a halt on October 7 and it remains halted to this day. The [Islamic] Ummah, by God's permission, will succeed in resisting the normalization train, just as it did before. The resurgence of resistance in the West Bank and the steadfastness of the people of Gaza are the greatest factors halting the normalization of relations. By God's will, Trump will not succeed in implementing any of his plans or projects.
Question: What is your view on the issue of the martyrdom of Resistance leaders and commanders? The Resistance has presented great martyrs such as Martyr Ismail Haniyeh, Martyr Yahya Sinwar, Martyr Nasrallah, as well as the late Martyr Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and Martyr Yahya Ayash (may Allah have mercy on them). What is your assessment of this matter, and in what ways will the Resistance carry on the legacy of these martyrs?
Mr. Darwish:
There is no doubt that one of the most important factors in the victory of the Resistance is the blessing of the sacrifices of its leaders and martyrs. Today, the blessings of their blood include us. The Resistance has offered great leaders and commanders, such as Martyr Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, Martyr Nasrallah, Martyr Safi al-Din, Martyr Saleh al-Arouri, Martyr Muhammad Deif, and Martyr Marwan Issa. These are a group of leaders and commanders whose sacrifices continued one after another, and victory was achieved by God’s permission. It was the blessing of the blood of these martyrs that brought us victory.
When our leaders are martyred, our motivation and determination to remain on the path of Resistance and continue the struggle until the realization of victory and the freedom of our land only increases. Abu Ibrahim Sinwar was martyred while reciting this verse from a poem: "For the crimson freedom, there is a door that is knocked with bloodstained hands." "Countries are not built without sacrifices, and rights are not granted without struggle." Therefore, it is the martyrs and sacrifices that build lands and free homelands [from occupation].
Question: Martyr Muhammad Deif was the brilliant mastermind behind Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. He was a great fighter, with very few like him among these great commanders. Do you have any specific memories of him? How would you describe the personality of Martyr Deif, which made him a legendary Resistance commander?
Mr. Darwish:
There is no doubt that the great martyr Abu Khalid Deif was an exceptional figure in the command of the Resistance. He was pursued by the enemy for 30 years, during which the enemy never succeeded in assassinating him. Martyr Deif was the target of seven major assassination attempts, yet the enemy failed to martyr him. His martyrdom in a fierce battle made him no less valuable. This battle was the greatest of the 20th century for the Palestinian people. Abu Khalid Deif lost nothing, for he was the Master of the Martyrs of the Al-Aqsa Flood and a leader who brought this victory to the Palestinian people and the Islamic Ummah, and then he attained martyrdom, which was the best ending for him.
The last time I saw him, Abu Khalid Deif was in the prime of his youth, and he had been planning for the day of October 7 for several years. He spoke of something that would be equivalent to the events of October 7 – an event that took place several years after that meeting. It was this determination and willpower in Abu Khalid Deif and the commanders of the Resistance that made victory possible. After these martyrs, we will continue the path towards the liberation of our land, and God willing, we will pray in Quds together, alongside all the brothers who supported us, from the Islamic Republic to all the arms of the Resistance in Lebanon and Yemen and Iraq. We will all move together towards freedom and the attainment of ultimate victory, by the will of God.
Question: You referred to the Resistance Fronts and the "unity of the fields" which manifested during the Al-Aqsa Flood operation in the battle against the Zionist regime. What was the impact of this unity on the divine victory achieved by the Resistance in Gaza?
Mr. Darwish: Without a doubt, the Al-Aqsa Flood operation created a true military unity among all the arms of the Resistance, just as it created spiritual and emotional unity in the Arab and Islamic world, and also among freedom-seekers worldwide. God willing, in future instances, with the efforts of all supporters of the Resistance in the region, led by the Islamic Republic of Iran with the leadership of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution [Imam Khamenei], this unity will become clearer and more prominent, and victory will be more attainable, by the will of God.
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