Islamic Jihad says Israel's latest actions a 'declaration of war'
Hamas also responds to Israel's killing of four Palestinian militants in Gaza, calls it a 'repulsive crime'
The radical Islamic Jihad terrorist organization in Gaza issued Sunday morning a warning against Israel, calling its latest actions a “declaration of war,” according to Hebrew-language Channel 12 broadcaster.
Reports emerged overnight Saturday that Israel’s army opened fire at armed suspects along the northern barrier of the Gaza Strip, apparently killing four Gazans.
The incident occurred several hours after rockets were fired toward southern Israeli communities, marking the second night in a row residents were sent dashing to bomb shelters.
Hamas spokesman Abd Latif al-Qanou also responded Sunday morning to the incident along the Gaza border, saying Israel’s strike was a “despicable crime.”
“The occupation continues to use extreme force and is committing crimes against the Palestinian people and its youth by blockading Gaza, occupied Jerusalem and the West Bank,” al-Qanou said, Channel 12 reported.
Hamas added that the armed deceased were young adults who expressed their inner fury amid Israel’s policies.
“The might of the wrath and pressure will explode in the face of the occupation if the blockade on Gaza won’t be lifted,” Hamas continued, according to Channel 12, and added, “we hold the Zionist regime responsible for all the crimes against our people. The international community’s silence encourages the occupation to continue its blockade on the [Gaza] Strip and to commit more crimes.”
According to the Palestinian health ministry, at least three Palestinians were killed in the incident but later Hamas announced that the number had increased to four.