Latest news with #AbuZaid
Memri
2 days ago
- General
- Memri
Colorado Imam Karim AbuZaid: Many Jews Will Convert When Caliphate Is Established in Jerusalem; They Denied Jesus Kingship, Conspired Against Him, and Caused His 'So-Called Crucifixion,' But Islam Wil
Colorado Islamic scholar Karim AbuZaid said in a May 9, 2025 interview that many Jews would convert to Islam when the Islamic Caliphate is established in Jerusalem. Speaking on the Deen Show, AbuZaid was promoting his book, titled Al-Mahdi, Khilafat Bayt Al-Maqdis: Prophetic Governance and the Restoration of Justice. He said that America and the West were 'complicit in the genocide of innocent people' because 'they know that the seed of Islam is there.' Referring to AbuZaid's book, TV host Eddie Redzovic said: 'for our Christian friends and neighbors… the Caliph king - we believe that this will be Jesus.' AbuZaid concurred, saying that when Jesus came the first time, the Jews 'denied him the kingship,' conspired against him, and caused his 'so-called 'crucifixion',' but that when he comes down again, Islam would make Christ the Caliph king. 'So we are not the enemies [of Christians],' said Redzovic.
Saba Yemen
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Palestinian Military Expert: Yemeni Decision Imposes New Equations in Region, Confuses Enemy Israeli Calculations
Gaza - Saba: From enforcing a no-fly zone to imposing a naval blockade on key Israeli ports, the Yemeni armed forces continue escalating their operations by opening a new front in the conflict with Israel, in support of Gaza amidst the ongoing aggression. In his military analysis of the Yemeni move, Palestinian military and strategic expert Nidal Abu Zaid stated that this step is part of expanding the range of Israeli targets. It creates significant security and military disruption for the occupation, compelling it to redistribute its naval and air forces in light of the imposed aerial and naval blockades, thereby dispersing its aggressive efforts. Abu Zaid told Palestine Online that the repeated targeting of Israeli interests in the Red Sea and Mediterranean has turned the Yemeni strategy into a real pressure tool on the occupation to stop its aggression against Gaza, pointing out that the repercussions of these military and security actions have become evident. He explained that the Yemeni operations are establishing a new deterrence equation in the region, the essence of which is that the occupying state no longer has control over the region—especially after the American withdrawal from the confrontation in Yemen. On the 11th of this month, U.S. President Donald Trump announced an agreement to end the aggression on Yemen, brokered by the Sultanate of Oman, leaving Israel isolated in its war. Abu Zaid noted that the enemy now faces an open and solitary confrontation with the Yemeni forces, following the American withdrawal from the costly conflict that forced Trump to halt operations. He highlighted the difficulty for Israel in waging prolonged wars without American support. Abu Zaid added that Israel is now seeking an intelligence achievement amidst the failure of its air operations to neutralize Yemen from the conflict. Its intelligence services appear to be working intensively inside Yemen in an attempt to locate high-ranking figures, which could allow Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare an 'achievement' that Washington could not accomplish. Previously, on the 4th of this month, the Yemeni armed forces declared a 'comprehensive aerial blockade' on Israel by targeting its airports. Gaza - Saba: From enforcing a no-fly zone to imposing a naval blockade on key Israeli ports, the Yemeni armed forces continue escalating their operations by opening a new front in the conflict with Israel, in support of Gaza amidst the ongoing aggression. In his military analysis of the Yemeni move, Palestinian military and strategic expert Nidal Abu Zaid stated that this step is part of expanding the range of Israeli targets. It creates significant security and military disruption for the occupation, compelling it to redistribute its naval and air forces in light of the imposed aerial and naval blockades, thereby dispersing its aggressive efforts. Abu Zaid told Palestine Online that the repeated targeting of Israeli interests in the Red Sea and Mediterranean has turned the Yemeni strategy into a real pressure tool on the occupation to stop its aggression against Gaza, pointing out that the repercussions of these military and security actions have become evident. He explained that the Yemeni operations are establishing a new deterrence equation in the region, the essence of which is that the occupying state no longer has control over the region—especially after the American withdrawal from the confrontation in Yemen. On the 11th of this month, U.S. President Donald Trump announced an agreement to end the aggression on Yemen, brokered by the Sultanate of Oman, leaving Israel isolated in its war. Abu Zaid noted that the enemy now faces an open and solitary confrontation with the Yemeni forces, following the American withdrawal from the costly conflict that forced Trump to halt operations. He highlighted the difficulty for Israel in waging prolonged wars without American support. Abu Zaid added that Israel is now seeking an intelligence achievement amidst the failure of its air operations to neutralize Yemen from the conflict. Its intelligence services appear to be working intensively inside Yemen in an attempt to locate high-ranking figures, which could allow Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare an 'achievement' that Washington could not accomplish. Previously, on the 4th of this month, the Yemeni armed forces declared a 'comprehensive aerial blockade' on Israel by targeting its airports. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
Yemenat
17-05-2025
- General
- Yemenat
The Escape at Al Maghrib Prayer time
The reasons compelling me to flee from my father were multiplying. While I no longer remember many of them, most stemmed from his strictness and harshness. Complicating matters were the reactions that followed, which escalated the problem and worsened our situation—making everything feel worse than it already was. At times, neither of us could avoid acting foolishly toward each other, perhaps due to life's pressures, impatience, or simply growing weary of one another. Critical moments felt unbearably tight, leading me to make impulsive decisions, filled with defiance and unconcerned about the consequences. In the incident I am recounting, I cannot recall the specific reasons, but I remember that my flight occurred at the time of Al Maghrib prayer. I decided to escape without knowing where I would go. Where would I spend my first night? Where would my journey lead? The foremost thought in my mind was to break free from my father's grasp, to evade his hold, and to avoid being caught during my flight. After that, we would deal with things as they came. My grandfather's and uncles' homes no longer felt like safe havens; my father could easily retrieve me without my consent. The saying 'As if you, Abu Zaid, have never fought' seemed to apply to my situation. I had grown sensitive about seeking refuge with them after repeated attempts and didn't want to cause them embarrassment. I felt burdensome to them, and their reluctance to welcome me when I fled from my father lingered in my mind. I was increasingly aware that my father would insist on reclaiming me without delay, and I might return with ears burning, just as I had before. Additionally, I wanted my father to search for me with greater difficulty, without finding me or knowing my destination. I sought to punish him in some way, within the limits of what was possible. I wanted him to experience anxiety and regret, if I could manage it. This would only happen by fleeing to a place different from what I was accustomed to. I fled just as darkness began to envelop the streets and places. I had no idea where I would spend my first night, far from family and familiar surroundings. I began to run, wandering aimlessly without knowing where to go. * * * My escape began with my first act of breaking free from my father's grip. I feared he would catch up to me on his donkey. I ran as fast as I could to distance myself from him. My panting preceded the sound of my feet on the ground, and my heart pounded, feeling like it might leap from my chest. I felt as though I might perish from exertion, nearly collapsing while gasping for breath. After a quick stretch of running, I turned to look behind me and reassured myself that I didn't see my father or his donkey. Relieved, I slowed my pace after nearly collapsing from fatigue and walked quickly until I reached the Thursday market. * * * After the market, I passed by Noman's Well. There, an idea struck me—I needed to stay close to the well. My inner voice urged me to seek solace in this place where I would spend the night. 'The morning brings relief,' as the saying goes, and 'from the gallows to the gallows, fate will write relief.' Spending the night here would be safer than elsewhere and closer to any assistance. I wouldn't stray far from the well, especially since our villages were suffering from a severe drought after their wells had dried up. The water in this well was decent, more plentiful at night, and women would flock to it from near and far, fetching water until dawn. Spending the night here would allow me to see the light around the well from lanterns and flashlights, illuminating the darkness of the night until dawn. The bustle of women throughout the night would not tire or diminish, and nearby was Noman's shop and mill, with guards stationed there at night. I reassured myself that this was a safe place to spend the night, better than any other option, which might be filled with frightening possibilities or unknown dangers. I chose a spot in a corner of the valley, facing the well for reassurance and peace while leaning against the houses of the marginalized on the opposite side. To my left was a sprawling, ancient 'Humar' tree, which I could rush to and climb if necessary. To my right, I leaned against a mountain that I could climb if the situation required it. Here, I could sleep next to a 'Thab' tree after deep exhaustion, with fatigue weighing down my joints and draining my strength. I found many dry, fallen leaves under the 'Thab' tree, which made a clear sound when moved or stepped on. Before I drifted into a deeper sleep, I heard something that frightened me—perhaps it was rodents or other reptiles, or maybe snakes. My fears intensified from every direction. The sounds multiplied, and some drew closer. I moved slightly away to a nearby wall and chose my resting place there after some careful adjustments. I saw a dark mass in the distance, blacker than the night itself. It appeared to me like a shadow, and I could hear its footsteps growing nearer. Each step brought it closer, and I heard its footsteps crunching on the gravel. My guess leaned toward it being a woman or a jinn, not a man, based on her attire. I held my breath as my heartbeat quickened. She leaned closer to where I was lying. I tried to retreat a little toward the mountain, but it seemed she noticed my movement. She appeared bold and curious, intrigued by my presence. As I held my breath and tried to remain still, she approached within arm's length and realized I was a child. I understood that she was a woman. She asked me, 'What are you doing here?!' I felt I had heard her voice before; it was familiar and distinct. She looked at me with surprise and curiosity. I answered, 'I'm waiting for my mother to finish… My mother is at the well fetching water.' She recognized me and said, 'You are the son of Saif Hashed.' I confirmed that I was indeed Saif Hashed's son. She was surprised to find me in such a strange place. My innocence didn't deceive her, nor did my claims. She asked me to accompany her to my mother, but I refused her request, insisting on my denial. It seemed to me that 'the rope of lies is short,' and going with her would expose my deception in front of many women. Doubt and suspicion filled her regarding my situation, and her curiosity grew stronger. It didn't escape her that I was waiting for my mother in a place unjustifiably far from the well, contradicting the direction of my mother's coming and going. She found my excuse unconvincing, flipping it over with evident amazement. It seemed silly and weaker than weakness, an unacceptable excuse. She left me to verify whether my mother was indeed above the well, but she found nothing, resulting only in more strangeness and doubled wonder. I then hurried to Noman's Shop to inform the guards of the situation. * * * Noman's Shop was bustling with goods imported from the free market in Aden. These goods were cheap, profitable, and tax-exempt, and the shop had guards stationed there. Raslah told them that she found me in a strange condition, claiming I had lied to her and that there was a secret or something she didn't know. She directed them to my location, describing it clearly without confusion. Sleep evaded me before it arrived. My drowsiness fled without return. I lost control over my impending sleep. Heavy time passed while my anxieties roiled inside me, unable to settle. I awaited whatever might come that was mysterious or new. An overwhelming concern grew within me as time passed. The question of what Raslah was thinking and what she might do loomed large. Surely, she would do something, but I did not know what. Her mystery surrounded me with compounded anxiety. I saw a dark mass approaching from afar, from a direction other than the well. I saw what resembled two shadows drawing closer to my spot, while fear surged within me, spreading through my limbs. I was about to flee; I nearly did, but the call of someone using my name made me recognize the voice. It was Saeed Abdulwali, one of the guards from Numan's Shop. His voice gave me a sense of security, perhaps even of help. I also recognized his companion, a man named Musa. They granted me reassurance and calm. I confessed to them that I was fleeing from my father. They convinced me to return with them, assuring me that no punishment or harshness from him would reach me. They promised they would handle everything with him, knowing my father respected them. I accompanied them back to my father. Saeed walked ahead, I followed behind, with Musa bringing up the rear. We seemed like a small procession moving silently through the depths of the night. Suddenly, we encountered my father at a sharp turn in the road, unexpectedly meeting him face to face. I saw my father with his tall stature and personal weapon. I could hear his breath, as if he were carrying the weight of war. I didn't know how my father had come or where he was headed. It felt as though he was wandering aimlessly, unaware of his specific destination. This time, he couldn't pretend to be obstinate or maintain his usual harshness, even if emotions toward me were tumultuous inside him. I sensed that my father was wandering just like me, aimlessly, without knowing where he would go. Perhaps his fears multiplied after confirming with my grandfather and uncles that I was not with them, or perhaps they told him they saw me running in the valley but didn't know where I had gone. I felt his panic and fear, mixed with a warmth that would not break. The two men stepped aside slightly from the path, leaving me alone. I heard them speaking to my father in low voices, then they returned to me, reassuring me that everything was fine. I felt an overwhelming emotion from my father compelling him to interact with me with unusual calm. I too felt an emotion surging toward him—a heavy, unspoken regret brewed between us, along with a host of suppressed feelings we concealed from one another to avoid revealing our perceived weaknesses. I was swept by a profound sense of affection, which he reciprocated, if not initiating it before I did. Perhaps we shared the regret and fear of a future that could lead to a heavy price. I felt a high place in my father's heart. The two men handed me over to my father. He received me gently, with tenderness and a warm affection he tried to conceal, but I felt it warm from the moments of his intense silence.
Saba Yemen
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Return of Palestinian Resistance Operations: A Look at Escalation Capabilities
Gaza – SABA: The increase in qualitative resistance operations in the Gaza Strip signals that the coming phase will bring many surprises and initiate a prolonged campaign of attrition against the Israeli occupation army, despite the severe challenges posed by the ongoing aggression. As the Zionist war on Gaza continues and the aggression expands, the Palestinian resistance intensifies its attacks on occupying soldiers and military vehicles, restoring momentum to its military activities and demonstrating its capability to sustain this course over the long term—especially after the occupation decisively shut the door on any attempts to halt the war. Regarding this systematic escalation, military experts agree that the rising intensity of resistance operations carries multiple military messages. Chief among them: the Zionist enemy must abandon the illusion of crippling resistance capabilities. Any move to broaden its aggression will become an opportunity for the resistance to inflict more losses and deliver new blows, resulting in further Zionist failures. Strategic and military expert Nidal Abu Zaid stated that the resurgence of resistance operations confirms earlier assessments: the resistance still maintains command cohesion and control, as well as the ability to adapt to diverse combat tactics. Speaking to 'Shams News,' Abu Zaid explained that the nature of these operations indicates the resistance is developing multi-layered defensive structures, while the occupation tries to advance through limited forces and unconventional tactics in vulnerable, open areas unsuitable for defense—militarily considered "tactically lost ground." He emphasized that despite the many obstacles, the resistance's success in detonating a tunnel and deploying IEDs against bulldozers and tanks reflects a shift in battlefield strategy toward explosive devices. In his view, this showcases the resistance's readiness for a potential defensive battle should the occupation reject diplomacy and persist in its military campaign. Furthermore, according to military expert Major General Mohammed Al-Samadi in an interview with Al Jazeera, recent high-profile operations prove that the resistance remains operational, capable of delivering strikes and maneuvering its fighters into key areas, effectively seizing opportunities to deal blows to Zionist forces. Colonel Hatem Kareem Al-Falahi also told Al Jazeera that the choice of timing and location for engagement serves the resistance well, stressing that it would never engage in a losing battle in an indefensible area. Al-Falahi added that redistributing resources and fighters grants the resistance the capacity to confront and repel attacks, and that new operation zones can be prepared across the sector, activated only when necessary. In parallel, retired strategic and military expert Major General Fayez Al-Duwairi highlighted the resistance's high tactical flexibility in selecting optimal times and locations for operations, capitalizing on temporary withdrawals by the occupation, as seen previously in eastern Tuffah and Tal Al-Mintar, and currently in Khazan Al-Najjar. Commenting on the resistance's ability to launch further complex attacks, Al-Duwairi said field data from southern Gaza points to the imminent outbreak of a new phase of intense clashes, likely centered in the triangle between the Morag axis and Salah Al-Din Street. Al-Duwairi noted that recent operations have featured a range of tactics, including the use of 'Shuwadh' IEDs, barrel bombs, and 'Yassin' missiles—clear signs of close-quarters engagement and the presence of resistance fighters on the ground, despite heavy bombardment. This outlook was confirmed by the Al-Qassam Brigades, which announced a complex ambush against invading Zionist forces in the Tuffah neighborhood, east of Gaza City, resulting in multiple casualties. In its latest statement Sunday, the Al-Qassam Brigades—the military wing of Hamas—revealed that its fighters executed a complex ambush targeting an Israeli 'Storm' military jeep and support troops east of Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza. According to the brigades, the jeep belonging to the IDF's Combat Intelligence Collection Corps was hit with an anti-armor projectile, causing confirmed casualties. When reinforcements arrived, they were targeted with an anti-personnel IED, resulting in further fatalities and injuries. On Saturday evening, Al-Qassam also reported executing a complex ambush against a Zionist force in eastern Tuffah, hitting its members with fatal and injurious blows. They targeted a "Merkava 4" tank and a "D9" bulldozer using two 'Yassin 105' missiles, causing them to catch fire in the Al-Sourani area. Simultaneously, Israeli media reported a 'serious security incident' on Saturday night, where a resistance strike on an armored vehicle in eastern Gaza resulted in the deaths of an officer and a soldier, and injuries to five others. The Hebrew site 'Hadshot Hamot' confirmed that a Zionist officer was killed and five others wounded by an IED attack on an armored vehicle, followed by a second strike on a rescue unit. 'Hadshot B'zman' later reported two dead and additional injuries. Another Hebrew outlet earlier on Saturday stated that at least one soldier was killed and four injured when a Zionist tank was hit by an IED, then a guided missile. Israeli forums and media outlets posted footage of helicopters airlifting wounded occupation soldiers to hospitals, confirming the seriousness of the incident. Palestinian resistance factions have disclosed details of recent operations in response to the aggression, including the destruction of military vehicles, sniper attacks, and bombardment of Zionist military positions with rockets and advanced mortars. On Friday, Al-Qassam Brigades reported killing and injuring several occupation soldiers by detonating a booby-trapped tunnel in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, on Wednesday. They lured the force near the tunnel entrance and detonated multiple IEDs as soldiers entered the site. On Wednesday, the brigades reported hitting three 'Merkava 4' tanks with 'Yassin 105' projectiles near Al-Wafa Hospital in eastern Tuffah, Gaza City. Last Sunday, Al-Qassam claimed responsibility for killing and injuring members of a Zionist special force by blowing up a house in eastern Rafah—marking its first declared bombing operation since the resumption of the genocide campaign on March 18. Previously, Al-Qassam and other factions launched rocket barrages at Israeli settlements. The Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, also declared targeting enemy soldiers and vehicles that had penetrated Rafah in southern Gaza. On Friday, Al-Quds Brigades shared footage of their fighters striking Zionist forces and vehicles in Rafah using mortars and "107" rockets. The footage showed attacks on a command center in Morag, along with troop concentrations and another command post in Yibna refugee camp. The group noted that this operation occurred on Saturday, April 12, 2025. E.M Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
Egypt Independent
27-03-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
‘Enough war': Why Gazans are protesting Hamas now
CNN — Belal Abu Zaid, a Palestinian from northern Gaza, took to the streets alongside hundreds of others on Tuesday to protest against Israel's war and the Palestinian militant group Hamas – both of which he blames for bringing destruction to the enclave. Israel, he says, is primarily to blame for Gaza's misery, but Hamas – which controls Gaza – also carries responsibility. 'We are oppressed by the occupation army (Israel) and we are oppressed by Hamas,' Abu Zaid told CNN. 'Hamas launched the October 7 operation, and today we are paying the price,' he said, referring to the militant group's 2023 attacks on Israel that led to the war. Palestinians demonstrated against Hamas in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, on Tuesday, in what appeared to be the largest protest against the militant group since the October 7 attacks. A second day of protests took place Wednesday, with demonstrations in both Beit Lahia and Deir al-Balah, in central Gaza. Video of Tuesday's protest in Beit Lahia showed large crowds, estimated to be hundreds of people by a CNN journalist on the ground, marching through the streets, chanting: 'For god's sake, Hamas out,' 'Hamas terrorists' and 'We want an end to the war.' Similar language was used at Wednesday's protest in Deir al-Balah, with signs bearing messages like 'We Want to Live,' and 'Stop the Genocide.' Participants at Wednesday's events told CNN they blamed both Israel and Hamas for the devastation to the enclave. 'Our message is to the Israeli army to stop the bloodshed and the war that has drained our energy and caused us to lose all our loved ones and friends,' said Mahmoud Haj Ahmad, a surgeon at Kamal Adwan Hospital who attended the Beit Lahia protest. 'Our final message is to Hamas: Enough is enough. You have ruled long enough; give others a chance, and let others come.' Another protester in Beit Lahia, lawyer Mohammed Attalah, said, 'Our message to the free world is that we are living in oppressive conditions and forced displacement.' 'Our demand is that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people. This chaos that they have created is enough.' More than 1,200 people were killed in the October 7 attacks on Israel and 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities. Israel's subsequent war on Hamas in Gaza has so far killed more than 50,000 Palestinians, according to the health ministry there, flattened large swathes of the territory and spurred a devastating humanitarian crisis. The death toll in the enclave has surged in recent days following the collapse of a two-month ceasefire, with Israel relaunching its ground operation in Gaza and pledging to intensify its operations. The crisis has been compounded by Israel's decision to halt all aid from entering the enclave. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Wednesday that 90% of Gaza's population of 2.1 million had been displaced between October 7, 2023, and January 2025. Many Palestinians who don't support Hamas often refrain from criticizing it publicly, fearing social ostracization, as the militant group is seen by some as the only party actively resisting Israel's occupation of Palestinian land. Others hide their support for the group, wary of being targeted by Israel. Raed Abu Hamouda, a Palestinian from northern Gaza, told CNN he wanted to participate in the protest but could not reach the gathering. Hamas and other Palestinian factions in the enclave do not listen to people's voices, he said. Palestinians attend a rally calling for an end to the war in Beit Lahia on March 25. AFP/Getty Images 'The people's voices must come before the sound of gunpowder,' Abu Hamouda said, adding that Palestinians should have one unified government that can receive international and regional support. 'People have long wanted to protest,' he said. Many were reluctant, however, fearing 'lack of protection' on the streets and 'accusations of treason' by other Palestinians, he added. Abu Hamouda also worried that the Israeli government might take advantage of the protests, which would undermine their movement. In a Wednesday speech at Israel's parliament, the Knesset, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to the Gaza protests, saying this 'shows that our policy is working.' 'In recent days, we have seen something we've never seen before – open protests in the Gaza Strip against Hamas rule,' Netanyahu said. An Islamist organization with a military wing, Hamas has ruled Gaza since 2007, after it beat rival political party Fatah in elections and expelled the Palestinian Authority from the enclave. The group first came into being in 1987. It was an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, a Sunni Islamist group that was founded in the late 1920s in Egypt. Israel, under international law, has been the occupying power in Gaza since long before the October 7 attack, as it has always controlled the points of entry and exit. Hamas, like most Palestinian factions and political parties, says that it is trying to liberate the Palestinian territories. Hamas is designated as a terrorist group by the United States, the European Union and Israel. Protests are 'spontaneous,' Hamas says Hamas' Government Media Office (GMO) in Gaza has said that the anti-Hamas slogans were 'spontaneous' and 'do not reflect the general national position.' 'Any spontaneous slogans or positions issued by some demonstrators against the resistance's approach do not express the general national position,' the GMO told CNN in a statement. 'Rather, they come as a result of the unprecedented pressure our people are experiencing and the occupation's constant attempts to incite internal strife and divert attention from its ongoing crimes.' The Hamas office said Palestinians' right to express their opinions and participate in peaceful demonstrations is a 'legitimate right, and an essential part of the national values we believe in and defend,' adding that the protests were reflective of the 'tremendous pressure and daily massacres our people are subjected to.' Abdullah Ahmed, an activist from Jabalia, said there are concerns Hamas will crack down on protests if they continue. 'There is fear and worry about participating in these demonstrations,' he told CNN. Ahmed said that pressure has nonetheless mounted on Gazans, and that many were further devastated to return north and find their homes turned to rubble. Palestinians demonstrate in Beit Lahia on Tuesday. AFP/Getty Images 'Why now? Because people are squeezed.' Hamas still has a substantial support base in Gaza, however. One supporter of the group in Gaza, who asked not to be named for security reasons, told CNN that he believes Hamas 'remains strong' and that there are still people in the enclave who are interested in joining Hamas' campaign against Israel. He also downplayed the protests, saying that the majority of Gazans are 'too worried about finding food and water' to get involved. Then-US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in January that 'Hamas has recruited almost as many new militants as it is lost.' 'Each time Israel completes its military operations and pulls back, Hamas militants regroup and re-emerge because there's nothing else to fill the void,' he said at in a speech at the Atlantic Council just days before his term as top US diplomat came to an end. Gazans' support for the October 7 attack appears to have oscillated in recent months. A survey conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research said in June that 57% of Gazans believed that the attack was the right decision, down from 71% just three months earlier. As the war has dragged on, living conditions have only deteriorated further in Gaza. 'Our demands are to feed our people, to quench their thirst, to see our children educated and not dying, torn to pieces before our eyes,' Abu Zaid told CNN. Asked whether he feared retribution from Hamas for protesting, Abu Zaid said it is hard to fear persecution when the enclave is rampant with suffering. 'There is no more fear. Death can happen at any minute, we've seen death with our eyes,' he said. 'The smell of blood is everywhere.' 'Enough war, enough exhaustion, enough humiliation.'
