Hamas Praises Moroccan Man as “Heroic Martyr” After Tel Aviv Stabbing Attack

Hamas Praises Tel Aviv Attack as Act of Resistance
The Palestinian militant group Hamas praised the stabbing attack in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, January 21, 2024, calling the attacker, a Moroccan man identified as Abdelkader Aziz, a “heroic martyr.” The attack, which injured four Israelis, came just hours after an Israeli raid in Jenin in the occupied West Bank left several Palestinians dead and many more wounded.
In a statement released on Telegram, Hamas celebrated the attack as a “natural response” to the events in Jenin, emphasizing that the “resistance will continue to escalate as long as the occupation and its crimes persist.” The group framed the attack as a direct message that ”blood will be met with blood” and that the “hand of resistance will strike with full force deep within the occupying entity.”
Hamas rejected any notion of Israeli success in the West Bank, arguing that such attempts are “futile” and will not bring security to Israelis. Instead, they asserted, these actions will become a “nightmare” that undermines Israel’s stability. The group called on Palestinians in the West Bank to intensify resistance against Israeli forces and settlers, urging them to support Jenin and other areas facing Israeli operations “with all possible means of resistance.”
The attack resonated widely on social media, with many expressing support for Aziz. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Glory to every honorable Arab, every free person in the world, and to the son of Morocco, Abdel Aziz al-Qadi.” Another post identified him as Abdel Aziz Qadi, born in 1995, ”a martyr on the path to Jerusalem,” adding, “You have won the ultimate victory, our martyr.”
Initial reports suggested Aziz was a Moroccan national residing in the United States. However, conflicting information emerged regarding his residency and background. This discrepancy highlights the often-chaotic information landscape surrounding such events, particularly in the immediate aftermath. The attack underscores the ongoing tensions and cycle of violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with both sides claiming justification for their actions. The incident also raises questions about the potential for further escalation and the challenges in achieving a lasting peace. Resources like the United Nations and organizations focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, such as the B’Tselem, offer further information and analysis on the complex dynamics at play.
While Hamas lauded the attack as an act of resistance, others condemned it as an act of terrorism. This differing perspective highlights the deeply entrenched narratives and the lack of consensus on defining violence within the conflict. The international community continues to call for de-escalation and a return to negotiations, but the path towards a peaceful resolution remains elusive. The ongoing violence underscores the urgent need for a renewed focus on dialogue and finding common ground to break the cycle of violence and achieve a lasting peace.
Keywords: Hamas, Tel Aviv, stabbing attack, Jenin raid, West Bank, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, resistance, occupation, martyrdom, Abdelkader Aziz, violence, terrorism, peace negotiations.