The Gaza Strip-based terrorist groups plan to step up terrorist attacks against Israel, local media reported on Sunday.
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According to The Jerusalem Post, Hamas and the Islamic Jihad – frustrated by the impasse in the ceasefire talks – have reached an agreement to increase hostilities, especially in Jerusalem and across Judea and Samaria. In a joint statement published by the Palestine Information Center, they praise" the uptick in "resistance operations," and expressed their "full support" for "all forms of resistance" against Israel.
They warned Israel that their actions were in response to "settler terrorism and crimes of the Zionist occupation soldiers" and said the foretold increase in attacks is "the consequences of persisting in its aggressive policies against our people in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem."
Hamas and PIJ also praised the Palestinians in the West Bank for forming "Popular Resistance Committees to confront attacks by settlers and occupation soldiers."
According to the report, the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas military wing, and the PIJ's Al-Quds Brigades have also agreed to increase their coordination. The deal was reportedly reached during recent meeting between Hamas and Islamic Jihad leaders in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.
Palestinian political analysts cited by The Jerusalem Post said that the deal is seen as a challenge by the Palestinian Authority, which rules the West Bank and whose security forces are carrying out a prolonged crackdown on Hamas and Islamic Jihad infrastructure in the West Bank.
"Hamas and Islamic Jihad hope to kill two birds with one stone," said a Ramallah-based analyst. "They know such attacks will make [PA President Mahmoud] Abbas appear as if he is losing control of the situation" on the ground.
A Ramallah official said the PA's security forces have received "strong instructions" from the Palestinian leadership to prevent lawlessness in the West Bank.
"We will not allow any individual or group to instigate unrest and instability," the unnamed official told the JPost. "Hamas and Islamic Jihad are acting against the interests of our people."
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Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad are both backed by the ayatollahs' regime in Iran, which provides them with funds and weapons.
Hamas and the Islamic Jihad slammed the PA for its security coordination with Israel.
Hamas spokesman Abdel Latif al-Qanou urged Ramallah to end its "collaboration with the enemy" and to cease any countermeasures against Hamas operatives in the West Bank, while PIJ spokesperson Tareq Ezaddin said the PA and Israel's actions "will not stop the resistance and the march of jihad."
The Palestinians, he said, "are determined to continue the revolution and resistance to liberate their land and gain their freedom. Settlements are a legitimate target."
