News

Hamas hails Jerusalem attack as response to Trump peace plan

February 6, 2020 03:04 PM


Twitter Share Facebook Share WhatsApp Share

Palestinian movement Hamas hailed a car-ramming in Jerusalem that wounded 12 Israeli troops on Thursday as a "practical response" to US President Donald Trump's controversial Middle East peace plan. 

In a statement, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said the attack was part of "resistance" operations, including a series of demonstrations in the occupied West Bank, but he stopped short of claiming responsibility.  

"The resistance acts throughout the West Bank -- the clashes between our people from the far south of the West Bank to the north, and the resistance operation in the heart of occupied Jerusalem -- are a practical response by our people to Trump's announcement of the liquidation deal," Qassem said.

A 19-year-old Palestinian was shot dead in clashes in Jenin in the northern West Bank Thursday morning, while a teenager was killed in clashes in the flashpoint southern city of Hebron on Wednesday.

Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip but is blacklisted as a terrorist organisation by the European Union and the United States, has fought three wars with Israel since 2008.

Trump's proposals gave Israel the green light to annex settlements and other territory in the occupied West Bank, while also recognising the disputed city of Jerusalem as Israel's undivided capital.

It demanded that Hamas disarm and that Gaza be handed over to the the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority. Palestinians of all factions rejected Trump's plan, accusing him of bias towards Israel.

Since the plan was announced, rockets and mortar rounds have been fired near daily from Gaza towards Israel, sparking retaliatory air and artillery strikes. No casualties have been reported on either side.

In an interview published on Hamas's official website Thursday, the group's leader Ismail Haniya rejected calls to disarm and said the group would "continue in our strategy of building up force, including in the West Bank and Jerusalem, until we can liberate our homeland."



Most Read

  1. Maryam Nawaz can wear uniform! Maryam Nawaz can wear uniform!
  2. Here is all about Madiha Rizvi’s second husband Here is all about Madiha Rizvi’s second husband
  3. Madiha Rizvi ties the knot again Madiha Rizvi ties the knot again
  4. Zara Noor Abbas inspired by Rani Mukerji Zara Noor Abbas inspired by Rani Mukerji
  5. Humayun Saeed and Saboor Aly under fire for close interaction in public Humayun Saeed and Saboor Aly under fire for close interaction in public
  6. Two patients die, injuries of 12 others multiplied after roof collapse at Gujrat hospital Two patients die, injuries of 12 others multiplied after roof collapse at Gujrat hospital

Opinion

  1. Legacy of Indian military subjugation in Kashmir
    Legacy of Indian military subjugation in Kashmir

    By Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai

  2. Islamabad becoming the hub of international diplomacy
    Islamabad becoming the hub of international diplomacy

    By Salim Bokhari

  3. Insights into the Pakistan Stock Exchange's Recent Record High Triumph
    Insights into the Pakistan Stock Exchange's Recent Record High Triumph

    By Zulfiqar Ali Mir

  4. IMEC to sabotage CPEC
    IMEC to sabotage CPEC

    By Dr Asif Channer

  5. 1947 TO FORM 47
    1947 TO FORM 47

    By Dr Asif Channer

  6. Beijing wants to further highlight industrial sector in its country and take scientific innovation to new heights....
    Beijing wants to further highlight industrial sector in its country and take scientific innovation to new heights....

    By Ali Ramay