Thousands gathered at the Great Mosque in Diyarbakır on Friday to perform a funeral prayer in absentia for the martyred commanders of Hamas, including the revered Chief of Staff, Mohammed Deif, and six other leaders.

This solemn event followed the announcement by Abu Obeida, the eloquent spokesperson for the Ezz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, who declared the martyrdom of these pivotal figures in the Palestinian struggle.

Hamas, known for its steadfast commitment to liberating Palestine, issued an urgent call to the global Muslim community to honor these martyrs with prayers, reflecting the deep bonds of solidarity among Muslims worldwide. The Kurdish community, often referred to as the descendants of Saladin Ayyubi, responded with profound fervor, echoing their long-standing support for the Palestinian cause, especially intensified since the onset of Operation Aqsa Flood.

Mehmet Ali Zeybek, a veteran of the Mavi Marmara incident, addressed the crowd, lamenting the loss of such valiant leaders while celebrating their martyrdom. "We are sad for the Ummah losing such brave people, but we are happy that Allah has granted them martyrdom," Zeybek remarked, emphasizing the profound sacrifice these leaders made, dedicating over three decades to the struggle for Jerusalem, a city sacred to Muslims and blessed by the blood of prophets.

He recounted the dedication of these martyrs, many of whom had spent over thirty years in the service of their faith and homeland. "Jerusalem, blessed by the blood of Prophet Yahya, continues to be sanctified by the sacrifices of our brave brothers," Zeybek added, drawing a poignant parallel between the historical and contemporary sacrifices for the holy city. He urged the Muslim community to reflect on their own readiness to sacrifice for such noble causes, emphasizing that the resilience of Gaza serves as a living testament to the essence of Islam.

Mullah Remzi Uçar, a respected figure and member of the ITTIHADUL ULEMA Board of Directors, in his speech, painted a vivid picture of Gaza as not just a battleground but a school of perseverance and faith. "Gaza has reminded us, the Muslim Ummah, the non-Muslims, and indeed, anyone with a conscience, that the struggles described in our history books are not mere stories; they are the realities we live today," Uçar proclaimed.

He lauded the moral fortitude displayed by the fighters of Gaza, particularly in their humane treatment of prisoners, which he contrasted starkly with the actions of their oppressors. "For 471 days, in conditions one can scarcely imagine, these brave men from Gaza have shown the world how to uphold the principles of justice and humanity," Uçar stated, highlighting the stark contrast between the rhetoric of peace and rights by some global powers and the actual practices of the Palestinian resistance.

The narrative of Mohammed Deif, a figure shrouded in both mystery and reverence, was recounted with deep respect. Uçar shared how Deif earned his nickname, living clandestinely among his comrades, and how even in personal tragedy, like the martyrdom of his wife and daughter due to an Israeli attack, his family's resolve remained unbroken. His mother-in-law's response to this tragedy was cited as an emblematic example of the Palestinian spirit - one of unwavering commitment to the cause.

"Today, from Gaza to Diyarbakir, from Palestine to Jordan and Egypt, Muslims are proudly declaring themselves as 'Mohammed Deif's men'," Uçar declared, lifting the spirits of those gathered.

The event concluded with a collective prayer for more leaders like Deif, for the strength of the Palestinian resistance, and for the liberation of Al-Aqsa Mosque. The prayers were not just for the martyrs but for the enduring spirit of resistance, for the awakening of the Islamic Ummah, and for the divine support in their just struggle against oppression.

This gathering in Diyarbakır was more than a funeral; it was a reaffirmation of the bond between the Kurdish and Palestinian struggles, a loud and clear statement of solidarity, and a hopeful beacon for those fighting for justice, freedom, and the sanctity of their sacred lands. (ILKHA)