Islamic Jihad Leader Declares Palestinians’ Defiance Against Israel and US
The Secretary General of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad has issued a strong warning, stating that Trump's plan for Gaza seeks to accomplish for Israel what could not be achieved through conflict. He emphasized that the Palestinian populace will persist in their resistance and will not capitulate.
Marking the second anniversary of the conflict in Gaza, Ziad al-Nakhala stated, “Two years have elapsed since the enduring battle of al-Aqsa Storm, and our people remain resolute, with their resistance persisting actively on the ground.”
He asserted that Trump’s proposal represents the Palestinian people’s unequivocal concession to their adversary, cautioning that the opponent seeks to secure through diplomatic talks what they failed to achieve through conflict.
Nakhala asserted that surrendering to the adversary’s conditions and demands is not an option after the significant sacrifices made. He seemingly referred to the tens of thousands who perished in the conflict. Additionally, he noted that resistance fighters persist in causing substantial losses to Israeli forces.
Nakhala stated that the resistance movement has shown openness to enter into discussions regarding Trump’s proposal for Gaza, highlighting that there are certain aspects that could be approached positively, notably the exchange of captives.
The leader of Islamic Jihad expressed optimism, stating that a prisoner exchange could be realized in the near future, potentially easing tensions and undermining the enemy’s reasons for aggression.
In response to threats of severe consequences from Israeli and U.S. officials should the Palestinians fail to capitulate, Nakhala remarked, “They have already resorted to such actions, and more.”
He characterized the negotiations, under Trump’s plan, as “a fierce battle,” emphasizing their determination with a pledge that “we will not surrender. We have rights and must fight to reclaim them,” Nakahla asserted.
Delegations from Israel and the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas commenced indirect negotiations in Egypt on Monday, according to his statements.
The upcoming discussions are set to center on Trump’s 20-point proposal for Gaza, which has garnered agreement from the Tel Aviv authorities and partial acceptance from Hamas.
The conflict in Gaza, which erupted on October 7, 2023, has resulted in the deaths of approximately 67,200 individuals, predominantly women and children.
The Israeli government has yet to fulfill its stated goals of dismantling Hamas and securing the release of all Israeli hostages.
