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Hamas Tries to Ride the Wave of Violence

(Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) Yoni Ben Menachem - The wave of terror pushing Palestinian teens in east Jerusalem and the West Bank threatens to swallow the Palestinian Authority, and Hamas is trying to maintain its momentum. While the PA is trying to direct the wave of violence into a "popular resistance" resembling the First Intifada, with demonstrations, throwing stones, firebombs, and the use of "cold" weapons (knives) and not firearms, Hamas is attempting to incite all the territories including the Arab communities inside Israel to use firearms in the fight against Israel. Ismail Haniyeh, deputy head of Hamas' political bureau, spoke in the Palestine Mosque in Gaza on October 9, 2015. He called for young people to march towards the fence with Israel and to confront the IDF; they did, and it led to many casualties on the Palestinian side. Haniyeh announced: "Gaza will not give up its strategic role in the battle for Jerusalem...and Gaza is in a state of preparation for a confrontation (with Israel)....The intifada is the only way towards liberation after we were ruined by negotiations." Haniyeh's speech raises concerns that Hamas does not intend to continue the ceasefire agreement with Israel and is preparing to confront Israel. The writer is former Director General and Chief Editor of the Israel Broadcasting Authority.
2015-10-14 00:00:00
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