Palestinian factions warn against exploiting Gaza genocide to 'incite against resistance'

Palestinian factions yesterday warned against attempts to exploit the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza to “incite against resistance”, Anadolu reported.

In a statement titled “Let voices rise high to stop the war of extermination and end the siege,” the National and Islamic Action Factions – which include all factions except Fatah – said: “We are closely following the widespread public outrage against the war of extermination, displacement plans, and the total blockade, including the closure of crossings.”

The factions affirmed their “support for these popular movements and solidarity with their demands to stop the war and reopen the crossings.”

With American support, Israel has been committing acts of genocide in Gaza since 7 October 2023, resulting in over 164,000 Palestinian casualties, including deaths and injuries, most of whom are women and children, in addition to more than 14,000 missing persons.

READ: 4,500 amputations, including 800 children, 540 women, in Gaza Strip

Since 2 March, Israel has completely closed off the enclave, banning the entry of humanitarian aid, medicines and shelters into Gaza, effectively imposing a policy of starvation.

The factions added: “We rely on our people’s awareness and their full understanding of the occupation’s intentions behind prolonging the war, refusing to engage with mediators and breaching the ceasefire agreement.”

The first phase of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement between Hamas and Israel, mediated by Egypt and Qatar with US support, ended on 1 March. The agreement had taken effect on 19 January.

While Hamas adhered to the terms of the first phase, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, reneged on starting the second phase to appease extremists in his ruling coalition and to avoid being tried in corruption cases in Israel.

The factions concluded: “Our people’s voice must reach the entire world: we are tired of Israeli deception tactics. All nations, organisations, and international bodies must intervene to end these policies, which our people are paying for dearly.”

READ: Israel refuses Egypt proposal for Gaza ceasefire: media report