In a series of strongly-worded statements released Tuesday, Palestinian factions condemned Israel's decision to resume its aerial bombardment of the Gaza Strip, describing it as a deliberate escalation that threatens to reignite full-scale warfare after a brief pause in hostilities.
Hamas, in a press statement issued early Tuesday, declared that Israel has "treacherously resumed its aggression" against Gaza at a time when the besieged Palestinian population continues to face what they termed "a brutal war and systematic starvation policies." The movement called on mediators to hold Israel "fully responsible for breaching and overturning the agreement."
The Islamic Jihad movement echoed these sentiments, stating that "war criminal Netanyahu and his government's announcement to resume aggression in the Gaza Strip represents a persistence in
committing more massacres." The group accused Netanyahu of deliberately sabotaging all efforts to reach a ceasefire, asserting that "the new aggression will not grant superiority over the resistance, neither on the battlefield nor in negotiations."
Global Response Demanded
Palestinian factions are collectively appealing to regional and international bodies to fulfill what they describe as their "historical responsibility" in supporting the Palestinian people. Hamas specifically called on the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to take action toward "breaking the unjust siege imposed on Gaza."
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) characterized Israel's actions as "premeditated crimes and massacres in Gaza as part of a comprehensive war of extermination." The group described these as "a disgrace in human history," noting that Israel conducted its "treacherous raids and brutal crimes despite the existence of a ceasefire agreement, without regard for any consequences."
American Complicity Highlighted
Al-Ahrar Movement took aim at the United States' role, claiming that "America's prior knowledge of this heinous crime while being a guarantor of the agreement undoubtedly indicates this country's lack of integrity as a guarantor." The movement accused the US of being "a primary and actual partner in the aggression, deception, betrayal, and the desecration of our people's blood."
The collective statements from Palestinian groups emphasize their belief that Netanyahu has prioritized his political survival over the welfare of Israeli hostages, with Al-Ahrar stating that he "sacrificed occupation prisoners and their families in exchange for remaining in power."
Call to Action
The factions have urgently called on the United Nations and the Security Council to "take immediate measures to stop the Israeli aggression" and adopt resolutions compelling Israel to cease military operations and withdraw from Gaza immediately. They stressed the critical need for enhanced international support for Palestinians facing what they describe as deteriorating humanitarian conditions resulting from ongoing military operations.
Palestinian resistance groups remain defiant, with Islamic Jihad emphasizing that "what Netanyahu and his barbaric army failed to achieve over fifteen months of crimes and bloodshed, they will fail again to achieve, thanks to the steadfastness of our oppressed people and the courage of our fighters in the fields of jihad and resistance."
The Fragmented Resistance Movement
Hamas - The Islamic Resistance Movement, founded in 1987, is the largest Palestinian militant group and has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007. It combines political governance, social welfare programs, and armed resistance against Israel.
Islamic Jihad - A smaller militant organization founded in 1981, focused exclusively on armed resistance against Israel without the political and governance roles that Hamas maintains. The group is closely aligned with Iran.
Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) - A secular, Marxist-Leninist organization established in 1967, the PFLP is the second-largest faction in the Palestine Liberation Organization after Fatah, combining political advocacy with armed resistance.
Al-Ahrar Movement - A smaller nationalist Palestinian faction that broke away from Hamas in 2007, maintaining an independent position while generally aligning with other resistance groups.
(NS)