Hamas's military wing spokesman Abu Obeida praised the October 7 attacks on Israel as "unprecedented" and thanked Iran for its "continuous support" in a rare public address on January 19 minutes after the release of three Israeli hostages and 90 Palestinians from Israel jails.

Following the release of the three Israelis by Hamas gunmen who passed, the women were sent to a Tel Hashomer Hospital in Ramat Gan, where doctors said the women were in good health. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office released photos and video of the three freed former hostages meeting with their families after being released.

In an earlier video released by Hamas before handing the women back, the group said it gifted the three women gift bags and new clothes. 

Speaking about what Hamas calls "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood", Abu Obeida said the attack had "changed the face of the region". He created "new equations" while claiming significant Israeli military casualties.

Since the launch of the more than 470-day-long event, more than 46,000 Palestinians living in Gaza were reported to have been killed in successive Israeli bombing campaigns.

In contrast, more than 1,300 Israelis have been killed in the period from the original attack, which ultimately led to the collapse of the original leadership of Hamas, including Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar killed, in a drone attack.

"We fought alongside our brothers in other resistance groups with all our strength and steadfastness against the enemy, achieving what seemed like mythical accomplishments," the Al-Qassam Brigades spokesman said in televised remarks.

The Qassam spokesman said: "We created a historic epic that is unparalleled in the world. "

Abu Obeida specifically thanked Iran for its "continuous and permanent support" and participation in what he called a "historic battle", particularly citing "Operation True Promise" while expressing gratitude for Tehran's "comprehensive support of the resistance," Iran’s Islamic Shafaqna reported.

Addressing the current ceasefire, he said Hamas remains committed to the agreement and its terms, calling on mediators to ensure Israel's compliance. "Our commitment to the ceasefire depends on the enemy's commitment to it," he added.

The spokesman claimed the group had fought an "uneven battle" against Israel from the start, accusing Israeli forces of targeting families and homes in Gaza during the subsequent military campaign.

Speaking to Gaza residents, Abu Obeida vowed to rebuild what had been destroyed during more than 15 months of fighting, praising Palestinians' resistance, which he said had "amazed the world."

He also acknowledged support from resistance groups in Lebanon, Iraq and Iran and pro-Palestinian demonstrators worldwide.