In a statement on December 14, Hamas tied its anniversary to the October 7 attacks and accusations that Israel had violated the ceasefire framework, while mediators continued talks on a broader agreement.
In a statement on Sunday marking the 38th anniversary of its founding, Hamas called the Oct. 7 massacre a “noble milestone.”
“The Al-Aqsa flood was a noble milestone in our people’s march towards freedom and independence, and it will remain a solid milestone marking the true beginning of rolling back the occupation and ending its presence on our land,” the press release said.
Hamas later claimed that it would pursue its goals “regardless of sacrifice” while claiming that Israel had failed to achieve its war objectives.
“We are proud and honored to stand before the steadfastness, bravery, sacrifice and resilience of great people in all fields, not least of all our people in Gaza, a land of dignity, defiance and nobility, who fought, persevered and defended this land and its holy sites for the entire country,” the statement added.
Hamas terrorists in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip, December 3, 2025. (Image source: REUTERS/STRINGER)
Hamas calls October 7 massacre a victory on its 38th anniversary
The terror group called on mediators and the United States to implement the ceasefire framework, open border crossings and speed up humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Hamas rejects any external “custody” of Gaza or the wider Palestinian territories, insisting that Palestinians alone should determine governance. It has made the release of Palestinian prisoners a top priority and urged the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court to continue proceedings.
Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque remain at the heart of Hamas’s conflict with Israel and will “remain a purely Islamic state,” the release said.
Hamas later praised supporters in the region and internationally, calling for expanded solidarity actions.
Hamas was founded in 1987 as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood movement. According to its charter, the organization was founded to liberate Palestine from Israel and establish an Islamic state. It has ambitions for all territory between the Mediterranean and the Jordan River and refuses to recognize Israel in any capacity.
The attack on October 7, 2023, which Hamas dubbed the “Aqsa Flood,” triggered the Israel-Hamas war.