Former Hamas Leader Urges Global ‘Jihad’ in Anti-Israel Protests

Khaled Meshaal, former Hamas leader currently residing in Qatar, has issued a worldwide call for Muslims to stage protests against Israel this Friday. In a statement to Reuters, Meshaal referred to this moment as a “moment of truth” for the Arab world, urging Muslims to take to the streets. He specifically called upon scholars who teach jihad and emphasized the need for its application.

Meshaal also made a special plea to Muslims in neighboring countries of Israel, emphasizing their responsibility. Meanwhile, the Israel-Hamas conflict enters its sixth day, with over 1,300 Israeli casualties, and emergency services still discovering bodies in kibbutzim.

Khaled Meshaal has been in exile in Qatar since 2012, when he was forced out of Syria by Bashar Al Assad. Ismail Haniyeh succeeded him as the leader of Hamas in 2017.