Speaking publicly for the first time at a rally in Gaza City, Hamas's leader in the Gaza Strip, Yahya Sinwar, said Hamas would continue to fight "fierce, violent and unprecedented battles" with Israel and would never succumb to Israel's "occupation and blockade."
Sinwar, one of Hamas's political and military leaders, remained unseen after Hamas' raid on Israel on October 7 and did not appear in public view until Saturday's rally.
In his speech, Sinwar praised Hamas's militants, saying they had shown bravery and sacrifice in the fight against Israel, and he also thanked other Palestinian factions and Arab countries for their support and solidarity with Hamas.
Sinwar also highlighted Hamas's firm stance on Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque, saying that Hamas will defend the rights and presence of Palestinians in Jerusalem and will not allow Israel to commit any form of aggression and defilement of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Sinwar also warned Israel that if Israel continues to carry out military strikes on the Gaza Strip, Hamas will do whatever it takes to strike back, saying that Hamas is ready for more surprises and blows, and Israel will not be able to withstand Hamas's strength and determination.
Sinwar's speech sparked cheers and applause from thousands of Palestinians present, who chanted slogans such as "Long live Hamas" and "Victory belongs to Palestine" to express their support and trust in Hamas.
Sinwar's speech also drew the attention and reaction of Israel and the international community, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemning Hamas's "terrorism and violence" in a televised speech on Saturday night and saying that Israel would continue to strike "resolutely and decisively" against Hamas until security and calm in Israel were restored.
Biden also spoke with Netanyahu on Saturday, reiterating the United States' "unshakable support" for Israel and calling on both sides to achieve a ceasefire and de-escalate the situation as soon as possible.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement on Saturday expressing deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and calling on Israel and Hamas to immediately cease hostilities and avoid causing more civilians and destruction.
Since Hamas's raid on Israel on October 7, the conflict between Israel and Palestine has been going on for nearly two months, resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries, as well as extensive property damage.