Gaza – The Hamas movement has stated that the anniversary of the death of former Palestinian President Yasser Arafat serves as a stark reminder that the policies of siege and targeted killings, which Arafat himself faced, continue to impact the Palestinian people today.
Hossam Badran, a member of the Hamas political bureau and head of the National Relations Office, issued a statement marking the 21st anniversary of Arafat’s passing. He asserted that “the siege and assassination attempts targeting the late President were part of a systematic Israeli policy aimed at subjugating the Palestinian people, a policy that continues today in various forms.”
The West Bank and occupied Jerusalem have witnessed increased Israeli escalation over the past two years. This coincides with the war launched on the Gaza Strip on October 8, 2023, which included tightened restrictions on the entry and exit points of Palestinian villages and cities.
According to Palestinian governmental sources, these actions in the West Bank and Jerusalem have resulted in the deaths of at least 1069 Palestinians and injuries to approximately 10,700 others. Additionally, nearly 50,000 people have been displaced, and over 20,500 have been arrested. The conflict in Gaza has led to over 69,000 deaths and 170,000 injuries.
Badran emphasized that Arafat “continued on the path of struggle to achieve the legitimate national rights of his people.” He affirmed that Hamas remembers Arafat’s spirit and the souls of all the martyrs who have fallen due to what he described as Zionist aggression.
“The anniversary of Arafat’s death reminds us of the necessity of national unity and continuing the path of the martyrs,” Badran stated. He called for “formulating a unified strategy of struggle to confront the occupation and its aggressive plans.”
The Hamas leader also noted that the movement is in constant communication with various Palestinian factions to agree on joint national steps to confront current challenges, particularly in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and the issue of prisoners. He called for prioritizing national interests and unifying efforts.
