Clashes and violence in the occupied lands have intensified, with Palestinian leaders blaming Israel for the escalating bloodshed. Ismail Haniyeh, in a statement released on Saturday, accused the Tel Aviv regime and its spy agencies of fueling the violence among Arabs in the occupied territories. He held the Zionist occupation responsible for the bloodshed and murders, stating that the security arms of the Zionist enemy are playing a dangerous role in engaging the Palestinian people in further struggles and undermining their religious and historical ties.
Haniyeh emphasized the need for unity among Palestinians and called on intellectuals and the public to focus on the Palestinian cause. He stressed the necessity of an integrated strategy to bring an end to the killings, cautioning that continuing down this path only serves the interests of the occupation. The recent killing of Sheikh Sami Abed al-Latif, the imam of Kafr Qara’s central Quba Mosque, has added to the growing tensions. The 60-year-old imam was known for his efforts in resolving conflicts within the Arab town.
This incident follows a double homicide in Kafr Qara two days ago. Shockingly, the number of Arab people killed in homicides in 2023 has reached an all-time high, with 166 lives lost, more than double the figure from the previous year. The Abraham Initiatives, an anti-violence advocacy group, reported that most of the victims were shot.
Muhammad Hamada, the Hamas spokesman for the city of al-Quds, stated that criminal gangs, allegedly assisted by Israel’s internal security service Shin Bet, are behind these crimes. He believes their objective is to weaken Palestinian society, create discord, and sow security chaos.
In response to these dangerous Israeli tactics, Hamada urged the Palestinian community in the occupied territories to remain vigilant in order to protect their national identity and defend the holy al-Aqsa Mosque.
The situation in the occupied lands remains tense as the blame game continues between Palestinian leaders and Israel. The escalating violence and bloodshed have raised concerns about the future of the region and the well-being of its people. It is imperative for both sides to find a peaceful resolution and work towards lasting peace for the benefit of all parties involved.
