Al-Qassam Brigade’s Bold Message Against Israel During Hostage Release
In a powerful display of defiance, the Al-Qassam Brigade, the military wing of the Palestinian Hamas movement, unfurled a large banner at the fifth prisoner exchange site in Gaza on Saturday, February 8, 2025. The banner bore the words: “We are a flood… We are the day after.”
This message, crafted in Arabic, Hebrew, and English, was widely interpreted as a direct response to Israel’s demands for Hamas to relinquish control of Gaza. It marked a significant moment in the ongoing tensions between the two sides, with Israel grappling with the question of who would govern Gaza in the aftermath of the conflict.
The backdrop of this exchange was Israel’s firm stance against allowing Hamas to maintain power in the Palestinian enclave, despite failing to eradicate the movement during 15 months of relentless military aggression. As discussions swirled around the future of Gaza, the Al-Qassam Brigade made its stance clear with the striking banner featuring the Palestinian flag alongside a raised fist symbolizing resistance.
“We Are The Day After” appeared just days after reports surfaced that Israel had proposed the exile of Hamas leaders from Gaza as a condition for advancing to the second stage of ceasefire negotiations. The proposal, which even caught the attention of US President Donald Trump, included suggestions for relocating Palestinian residents from Gaza to Egypt, Jordan, or other countries.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly conveyed to US officials in Washington that any future agreements regarding Gaza must involve the departure of senior Hamas leaders. This directive underscored Israel’s unwavering position on the matter, as they sought to reshape the political landscape of the region.
Meanwhile, as the prisoner exchange continued in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, a heightened presence of Al-Qassam fighters oversaw the handover process. The atmosphere was tense yet charged with anticipation, as Palestinian onlookers gathered to witness the transfer of prisoners to the International Red Cross Committee.
With the completion of the fifth wave of exchanges, Al-Qassam had successfully released a total of 16 Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons. The momentous occasion was captured in a photo that depicted three Israeli hostages standing on stage alongside Hamas fighters, symbolizing a rare moment of unity amidst the prevailing discord.
As the dust settled on this chapter of tense negotiations and high-stakes exchanges, the message from Al-Qassam reverberated across the region, serving as a poignant reminder of the enduring struggle for power, identity, and freedom in the embattled lands of Gaza.
