jordan pulse -

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, martyred in November 2024, was seen rallying "Al-Qassam Brigades" fighters on the Gaza frontlines during the recent Israeli assault.

While visiting a combat post, Sinwar quoted a line from Ahmed Shawqi's famous poem, The Tragedy of Damascus, saying:
"The crimson door of freedom is knocked, by every bloodied hand."

Shawqi’s poem, written in October 1925, was a tribute to Syria during the French occupation, specifically after the bombardment of Damascus's southern neighbourhoods in retaliation for local support of revolutionaries.

The attack killed around 1,416 people, including 336 women and children, and caused significant destruction to historical areas, including Sidi Amoud neighbourhood, Medhat Pasha Market, and the Straight Street.

Shawqi's verses reflected the pain and resilience of a nation fighting for freedom. Among them:
"O Syrians, abandon illusions and cast aside dreams,
For the trick of politics is to beguile with false titles of sovereignty.
...
You stand between life and death,
If you seek the eternity of life, embrace hardship."

Sinwar’s use of this poignant poetry symbolised Gaza's ongoing struggle and the cost of liberation.