– / AFP
This photo taken from Rafah shows smoke rising from Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip during Israeli bombardment on January 21, 2024.
GAZA – This is the first for Hamas since a bloody attack on Israeli territory on October 7. In an unpublished document of about twenty pages and published in English and Arabic, the terrorist movement delivers “Their version of the facts”Especially support “Made best efforts to avoid harm to civilians” but recognize “mistakes”.
“During the implementation of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, mistakes may occur due to the sudden collapse of security and military equipment and the chaos created on the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip »This document, released this Sunday, January 21, recognizes Hamas.
“Avoiding harm to civilians, especially children, women and the elderly, is a religious and moral obligation of Al-Qassam Brigades fighters”He continues, referring to his armored wing. “If civilians were targeted, it was by accident, and during confrontations with occupying forces.”He said again.
Hamas also calls for an end “Israeli invasion, killings and ethnic cleansing against the entire population of Gaza”and rejects “definitely” The “International or Israeli projects aimed at determining the future of the Gaza Strip”.
Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas’ terms
As for the future of the region, Hamas insists that “The Palestinian people have the ability to determine their future”Such insistence “No One in the World” He has the right to decide. he says “Hold the Israeli occupation legally responsible for the suffering it has inflicted on the Palestinian people”Thanks to him “Crimes committed against citizens, infrastructure, hospitals, educational institutions, mosques and churches”.
Shortly after the document’s release, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he rejected “definitely” conditions “Hamas Monsters” who demands “End the war, withdraw our forces from Gaza” And “Freedom of all murderers and rapists” Freeing the hostages in Gaza.
The October 7 attack killed 1,140 people, mostly civilians. That day, hundreds of Hamas fighters from the Gaza Strip crossed into Israel in vehicles, by air and by sea.
Numerous videos show armed men indiscriminately killing civilians in the streets, in homes and in some areas at the music festival site.
About 250 people were taken hostage during the attack, which is unprecedented in its violence and scale, and, according to Israel, 132 people are being held hostage in the strip – 28 of whom died, according to an AFP tally from official figures.
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