Hamas, Islamic Jihad salute Jerusalem terror attack, threaten new 'Palestinian intifada' in capital

“The attack in Jerusalem is an act of heroism and a natural response to the crimes of the occupation against our people and our holy places,” said Mushir al-Masri, a senior Hamas spokesperson.

By YASSER OKBI/ MAARIV HASHAVUA
Terror attack in Jerusalem (photo credit: REUTERS)
Terror attack in Jerusalem
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Hamas and Islamic Jihad hailed Wednesday’s terrorist act by an east Jerusalem resident who rammed his car into a crowd of commuters at a light rail station, killing a three-month old infant and injuring seven others.
“The attack in Jerusalem is an act of heroism and a natural response to the crimes of the occupation against our people and our holy places,” said Mushir al-Masri, a senior Hamas spokesperson.
“The attack in Jerusalem is a natural response to what is taking place in the city, given the harassment and overall attacks of Judaization affecting our holy places and Muslims,” said another Hamas official, Salah Baradwil.
Hamas warned that the latest developments may augur the next "Palestinian intifada in Jerusalem."
Islamic Jihad released an official statement on Thursday through its military wing, the Al-Quds Brigade, saying: “There is Zionist aggression against all of our people, and today the resistance responded to this attack. This is a natural right.”
“This attack is a strong response to the Israeli occupation, whose crimes are unable to break the resistance,” the organization said.
Both Hamas and Islamic Jihad called on the Palestinian Authority to “halt its security coordination with Israel and to act in resistance in the West Bank.”
The two groups also praised the residents of east Jerusalem “for their fierce stance against the crimes of the occupation.”