GAZA CITY — The new Hamas-led Palestinian government led by Prime Minister
Ismail Haniyeh has defended suicide strikes against Israel.
"This was a natural response to Israeli crimes," PA Information Minister
Yusef Rizqa told a news conference on March 31. "Resistance is a legitimate
right for people under occupation."
On March 30, four Israelis were killed when a Palestinian suicide
bomber, dressed as an Orthodox Jew, hitched a ride with a Jewish motorist in
the northern West Bank. The bomber detonated his explosive belt at the
entrance of the Jewish community of Kedumim, Middle East Newsline reported.
The government statement marked a change in policy by the Palestinian Authority amid bloody
internecine fighting. PA
Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and senior ministers have usually condemned suicide
strikes against Israelis, particularly within the pre-1967 borders.
PA Interior Minister Said Siam said security forces would not interfere
with Palestinian strikes against Israel. But Siam said Hamas might ask
Palestinian insurgents to suspend attacks.
"We will not put our sons in prison for political membership or
resisting occupation, because occupation is the reason for the problem,"
Siam said.
The day after the attack on the four Israelis, the commander of the Fatah-aligned Popular Resistance
Committees, identified as Yusef Abu Quka, was killed when a car filled with
explosives blew up in Gaza City. Abu Quka was said to have directed many of
the Palestinian missile strikes against Israel.
Hours later, PRC gunmen, who blamed the PA for complicity in the Abu
Quka assassination, attacked Palestinian security forces. At least four
people were killed and 36 were injured. Palestinian gunners also intensified
missile fire toward Israel.
Hamas has also reaffirmed its alliance with the Iran and its
Lebanese-based Hizbullah militia. On March 31, Hamas and Hizbullah vowed to
continue their war against Israel.
"The Islamist movement, which heads the new Palestinian government, will
continue to lead its armed struggle against Israel while in power," Hamas
leader Khaled Masha'al said in Beirut. "The resistance is a main factor of
strength
that is needed even when the Arabs go to the negotiating table or try
peaceful means to restore their rights."
