Abbas’ advisor: Oct. 7 war was “legal resistance, Jihad and self-defense,” but outcome was disastrous for Gaza
Abbas' senior advisor condemns Oct. 7 only because of its disastrous consequences for Palestinians, while explicitly reaffirming "Jihad" and "resistance by all means" against Israel as legal and sacred.
PA Chairman Abbas' Advisor on Religious Affairs and Islamic Relations Mahmoud Al-Habbash: "Resistance to occupation by all means is a legal right and a sacred duty, there is no dispute about that. When I express opposition to October 7, I am not opposing the principle of resistance (i.e., terror), the principle of Jihad, the legality of Jihad, or the legality of resistance.No, no, they are legal. Fighting the enemy (i.e., Israel) is legal, self-defense is legal, and defending the homeland is legal. But when I look at the big picture, I need to look at the consequences, at the outcome. What are the consequences of October 7 now?"
Jusoor News host: "Destruction and devastation [in Gaza]."
Al-Habbash: "So October 7 was a mistake, and moreover, it was a sin, which led to what it led to for the Palestinian people."
[PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas' Advisor on Religious Affairs and Islamic Relations Mahmoud Al-Habbash, YouTube channel, Sept. 3, 2026]