Tensions along Israel's southern border with Hamas-controlled Gaza were ratcheted up earlier this month, after Washington announced that israel and the UAE had agreed to normalize relations. Hamas called Abu Dhabi's decision a “cowardly” attack on the Palestinians' “national, historical and religious rights.”
Hamas reserves the right to “remove the siege” against Gaza in any way necessary should blockade negotiations fail, including by raining rockets down on Israel, Mushir al-Masri, a spokesman for the political and militant group, has said.
“Since we have nothing to lose, we will not accept the continuation of the siege, the force, and the enemy's attempt to use the coronavirus plague to renew the siege on the Palestinian nation. All options are open,” the spokesman added.
Israeli tanks targeted Hamas positions on Monday due to the continued launching of incendiary balloons from Gaza toward Israel's southern border. On Friday morning, Israeli jets struck Hamas positions in the Palestinian exclave, citing the launch of six rockets toward israel. Also this month, the IAF launched separate airstrikes into Lebanon against Hezbollah, and at suspected ‘pro-Iranian' targets in neighbouring Syria.
Hamas Wants Restrictions Removed
On Saturday, Ismail Haniyeh, chief of Hamas's political bureau, announced that Gaza would “proceed with ending” the “unjust blockade” against…