Warning: Graphic images: Hamas celebrated Oct. 7 massacre with song: “We submerged [Israel’s] army, your skulls will be trampled”
- On anniversary of massacre, Hamas released terror "highlights" video of Oct. 7, omitting Israeli civilians who were majority of the victims
Celebrating the 1-year anniversary of its invasion and massacre in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas published a video and song with lyrics that include the following chorus:
Chorus of song: "We crushed the fortresses of their [Israel's] commando forces through Al-Qassam Brigades (i.e., Hamas' military wing) –
And we submerged their army in the ground through bombs and the blade of the sword
And your skulls will be trampled – according to the promise of the Hamas members – by the feet of a resistance fighter brave as a lion."[Hamas, Telegram channel, Oct. 7, 2024]
The video begins with audio of former Hamas terror leader Muhammad Deif:
Hamas terror leader Muhammad Deif: "The [Israeli] enemy will understand that the time is over when he could behave as a bully without being called to account – and we declare the start of the Al-Aqsa Flood operation (i.e., Hamas' terror war against Israel)."
Throughout the video, footage is shown of Hamas' surprise attack. It includes footage of Israeli soldiers being taken captive, shot at, and "trampled" as per the song lyrics. Motorized paraglider terrorists wearing patches reading "Flock of Eagles – Air Force" are seen launching into the air on the morning of Oct. 7, 2023, to invade Israel. Also shown are explosions breaching Israel's security fence, the firing of rockets and mortars, attacks on Israeli tanks, and more.
Conspicuously absent from the video is the Hamas footage of the Israeli civilians who were tortured, raped, and brutally murdered by the terrorists on Oct. 7. Civilians made up the majority of victims in the massacre, numbering over 800 out of a total of more than 1,100 murdered Israelis and foreign nationals. Hamas' exclusive focus on Israeli military personnel in its anniversary video is an apparent attempt to frame its massacre as a "legitimate military battle."
The entire lyrics of the song are as follows:
Lyrics: "Call for the prayer of victory over a land that knows no humiliation –
It has remained, stood firm, refused [to submit], was firm, and defeated the occupier (i.e., Israel).
A gale of truth removed the illusion, and the flood came,
Which established the revolution from which man will live.
We crushed the fortresses of their [Israel's] commando forces through the [Izz A-Din] Al-Qassam Brigades (i.e., Hamas' military wing) –
And we submerged their army in the ground through bombs and the blade of the sword
And your skulls will be trampled – according to the promise of the Hamas members – by the feet of a resistance fighter brave as a lion…
You are Palestine that taught us
Your people has specialized in resolve…
O, Gaza of the free people, have you spoken about your secret, the lions' heroism,
About a land that folds before them when they walk…
They set out from its belly and attacked.
[Have you spoken] about your Jerusalem and its promised day
Rise up, bandage the bleeding wound.
Stand firm, refuse to stop your struggle.
From under your ruins rage pulses
And your hand grasps a weapon.
Resist and defeat winds with your firmness
And outline a morning with blood and firmness…"[Hamas, Telegram channel, Oct. 7, 2024]
Throughout the video text appears on screen reading: "military publicity" and Hamas' logo is shown, featuring the PA map of "Palestine" that presents all of Israel together with the PA areas as "Palestine," and under it are the Dome of the Rock and crossed swords.
Text on screen: "Military publicity
Produced by the Islamic Resistance Movement [Hamas] – publicity division"
This video is part of Hamas' ongoing attempt to portray itself as victorious in its one-year war against Israel. Hamas' popularity has dropped dramatically in the Gaza Strip because of the destruction and death in Gaza that it is responsible for. Hamas' message to Palestinians is that the Palestinian suffering it caused was all worth it because of the pain and suffering it caused Israel, primarily on Oct. 7, 2023, and because Hamas has not been destroyed militarily. PMW has published polls showing that this message seems to be successful as 67% of Palestinians believe Hamas will win the war. [Note this poll was taken before Israel killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.]