An event called “Resistance Night With Gaza” was organised on Kozhikode beach on the night of September 26 by Ithihadu Shubbanil Mujahideen (ISM) Kerala, an extremist Islamic organisation. Though styled as a solidarity programme, it effectively turned into a ‘Support Hamas’ gathering.
Speakers at the event repeatedly claimed that what is happening in Gaza is a freedom fight, that Hamas men are freedom fighters, and that those killed in the conflict are martyrs. Reports suggest that the Resistance Night formed part of a larger plan by extremist movements to hold special prayers and solidarity programmes in the streets, with several more pro-Hamas programmes reportedly on the cards.
https://www.youtube.com/live/iH1X6uEFs_s?si=pk63m3Fav-Ghr9Xr
Several self-styled left intellectuals, pseudo-secular writers and activists are reported to have addressed the programme. Leaders of the Congress, CPM and Indian Union Muslim League also shared the dais. Among them was Ahammed Devar Kovil MLA, an LDF leader and former minister. According to reports, the organisers had invited Indian Union Muslim League state president Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, Congress leader Rigil Makkutty and District Congress President Praveenkumar, claiming that they had agreed to attend, though none of them eventually turned up.
Observers see the event as part of an ongoing effort to empower terrorist ideologies in the state. They note that both the LDF and UDF appear to be competing with one another to appease the minority vote bank.
Kerala: Former Hamas Chief Khaled Mashal addressed Jamaat-e-Islami rally in Malappuram#HamasTerrorrists
Read via @eOrganiser https://t.co/0bhrINJ9mO— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) October 28, 2023
This is not the first instance of pro-Hamas glorification in Kerala. In October 2023, former Hamas chief Khaled Mashal addressed a pro-Hamas meeting online in Malappuram district. In February 2025, images of Hamas leaders were even carried atop elephants during a programme in Palakkad.
