In the pre-recorded video, aired by the Qatari channel Al-Araby, al-Hayya spoke about the dead in the Gaza Strip and described the Palestinian people’s struggle as a “sacrifice,” offering prayers for patience and victory.
“We grieve the loss of our people — women, children and the elderly,” he said. “We belong to one big family, the Palestinian people, especially the people of Gaza, who today represent the nation in their struggle and steadfastness. We ask God to grant patience, comfort and peace to our people, and to defeat our enemy,” he added.
The Israeli strike in Doha, dubbed Operation Summit of Fire, took place on Sept. 9. Three days after the attack, Hamas said al-Hayya survived the assassination attempt and that he had led funeral prayers for his son and other victims in Doha under special security arrangements. Hamas earlier acknowledged that al-Hayya’s son was killed and that his wife was wounded in the strike.