Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri accused Israel of perpetrating “massacres” against women and children in Khan Yunis.Referring to an Israel Air Force bombing of a house belonging to a Hamas operative, Abu Zuhri said: “The Khan Yunis massacre against women and children is an ugly war crime. All Israelis have now become legitimate targets.”Ismail al-Ashqar, a Hamas legislator, said that his movement would continue the rocket attacks until Israel succumbs to its demand and lifts the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip.Hussam Badran, a top Hamas figure, said that Israel’s “dream” of eliminating the rockets would not be fulfilled.“The occupation began this aggression and we have the right to defend ourselves,” he said. “This is a war against the whole Palestinian people.”He also lashed out at the Palestinian Authority leadership in the West Bank, saying it has been “completely detached” from its people.“This could be the last chance for the Palestinian Authority leadership to correct its stance and join the choice of the people, which is based on resistance,” Badran said. “This is the time for unity at the battleground.”Meanwhile, the PA on Tuesday condemned Israel’s “aggression” against Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.“The Israeli decision to expand its aggression on the Gaza Strip and the policy of repression, harassment and settlements in the West Bank are tantamount to a declaration of an all-out war on our people,” said Nabil Abu Rudaineh, spokesman for PA President Mahmoud Abbas.“The Israeli government alone will bear the consequences of its aggression and subsequent reactions.”Abu Rudaineh said that Palestinians wouldn’t remain silent “in the face of the massacre that is being perpetrated against children, women and the elderly.”The spokesman added that Palestinians are entitled to defend themselves with “all legitimate means and ways.”He also criticized the US for failing to take action to stop the Israeli military offensive. “The silence of the international community and US Administration is no longer acceptable,” Abu Rudaineh said. “This will drive the Palestinian leadership to take fateful decisions to defend our people against this aggression.”The Palestinian “national consensus” government also condemned the Israeli military strikes in the Gaza Strip and warned that the deterioration would plunge the region into destruction and instability.The government also called on the United Nations to label all settlement activities as “terror acts.” A statement issued by the government following its weekly meeting in Ramallah also called for a special session of the UN Human Rights Council to discuss Israeli “crimes” against Palestinians.
Hamas: All Israelis now targets for missile attacks
Terror group vows to continue firing rockets at Israel after air strike reportedly kills 7 in Gaza house; PA condemns Israel's "aggression" against Palestinians in Strip, West Bank.
