Hamas continues to incite Gaza residents to participate in the wave of demonstrations on the Israeli-Gaza border as part of the “Great March of Return”.

On April 5, 2009, Hamas spokesman Hazem Kassem revealed that the movement was providing financial aid to the families of those killed and wounded in the “March of Return” and detailed the amounts of money ranging from $3,000 to the family of a Shahid, or martyr, to $200 per wounded person.

At the same time, senior Hamas figures reiterate that they are determined to continue the March of Return towards the border with Israel and threaten that this march will explode “in the face of the Israeli occupation” and constitute a turning point in Palestinian history.

The following is a brief survey of these statements:

Hamas spokesman: $ 3,000 for Shahid family, $500 for serious injury, $200 for moderate wounds.

Hamas spokesman Hazem Kassem referred to the transfer of financial aid to the families of the wounded and killed in the march.

“Hamas ‘financial support to the families of the shahids and the wounded does not compensate them for what they lost and does not equate with the sacrifice they sacrificed for the sake of our people and for our just cause … [The assistance] comes within the framework of Hamas’ social and national responsibility to strengthen the steadfastness of our people in its struggle for return and freedom, The siege … The Hamas movement will continue to support our people’s struggle by all possible means and methods, despite the difficult situation in Gaza.”

Statements made by senior Hamas spokesmen and spokesmen, some of whom criticized the organizing of the demonstrations on the eastern border of Gaza, expressed their determination to continue the march in order to realize its stated goals: the realization of the “right of return” and “breaking the siege” on Gaza.

The head of the Hamas political bureau in Gaza, Yahya al-Sinwar, said that the marches were considered “a very important national matter” and that they should be guarded. During a visit to the “camp of return” east of Khan Yunis, he said: “Gaza will not starve and will not give up the national project … If we explode, then we will explode in the face of the Israeli occupation … That Gaza is free and that [we will continue] to go out [and march] in the next few days, they should expect our next march [towards the border]. ”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)