Smotrich calling for genocide, displacement in West Bank: Hamas
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Hamas responds to a statement issued by far-right Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich calling for the Israeli forces to deal with Nablus and Jenin as they do with Gaza.
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Residents gather by the rubble of the family home of Mohammad Abu Yassin, which was demolished by Israeli occupation forces in the West Bank town of Bal'a, occupied Palestine, Thursday, January 2, 2025. (AP)
The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, on Monday, condemned far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's call to treat Jenin and Nablus as the Israeli military has treated Jabalia. Hamas described the remarks as a clear incitement to expand a "fascist war of extermination" and labeled Smotrich as a "terrorist".
In a statement, Hamas asserted that Smotrich's call is part of the far-right's agenda to tighten its grip on the West Bank and displace its residents. The movement urged the Palestinian people to unite behind the path of resistance, strengthen ranks to confront the threats to their national cause, and escalate confrontations against Israeli occupation forces to force them to pay the price for their brutal policies.
Hamas also reiterated its commitment to ending the "fascist occupation" of Palestinian land and holy sites.
Smotrich's remarks came after a shooting operation on Monday in the Kedumim area of the West Bank. The attack targeted two cars and an Israeli bus, resulting in the death of three Israelis and injuries to nine others. The fighters successfully withdrew from the scene. Israeli media described the operation as "severe".
Smotrich suggested that "villages like Funduq, Nablus, and Jenin must look like Jabalia," referring to the aftermath of the Israeli military's extensive aggression there. He also remarked that the "illusionary thinking that prevailed before October 7 still exists, and we are paying for it in blood."
West Bank confrontations escalate
Confrontations escalated across the occupied West Bank on Sunday morning as invading Israeli units launched multiple raids in Palestinian towns.
In Jenin Governorate, the al-Quds Brigades – Jenin Brigade reported intense confrontations with Israeli occupation forces in the town of Meithalun. Resistance fighters engaged the invading troops on multiple fronts, targeting their vehicles with heavy bursts of gunfire. According to local sources, the confrontation resulted in confirmed injuries to the Israeli forces.
During the brutal raid, Israeli forces detained an injured Palestinian after besieging his house.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health confirmed the martyrdom of 40-year-old Hassan Ali Rabayeh, who was killed by Israeli gunfire during the raid.
Meanwhile, in Nablus, Resistance fighters from the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades – Nablus confronted Israeli forces as they entered the city from multiple directions. Using assault rifles and explosive devices, the fighters engaged the troops, who had spread throughout the city, and imposed a military cordon around key areas.
Israeli occupation forces also raided the Old and New Askar refugee camps, searched homes, and ransacked belongings. Sources from the Palestinian Red Crescent reported that four people were wounded by Israeli gunfire during the raid and were transported to the hospital for treatment.
