Hamas Leader Calls for Resumption of Suicide Bombings in West Bank

Khaled Mashal, a senior figure in Hamas, urged the revival of suicide bombings in the West Bank during a speech on Wednesday, according to reports from Arabic media. Speaking at a conference in Istanbul, Turkey, Mashal encouraged Palestinians and supporters of the Palestinian cause to engage in “actual resistance” against Israel.

Mashal stated that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian groups, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank, could only be resolved through “open conflict.” He referenced the frequent Israeli military raids in the West Bank and the recent hostilities in Gaza, emphasizing that Hamas was committed to escalating its operations, including suicide attacks.

In his address, Mashal also appeared to allude to the assassination of former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31, a killing for which Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility. Mashal reiterated his call for widespread participation in the resistance against Israel, highlighting the organization’s continued dedication to confronting Israel on multiple fronts.

Earlier in August, Hamas claimed responsibility for a bombing in Tel Aviv, which it described as a suicide attack carried out in collaboration with Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The August 18 explosion injured one person and killed the bomber. The attack marked a rare occurrence of suicide bombings in Israel since the Second Intifada in the early 2000s.

Israeli authorities have recently reported attempts by Hamas and other groups in the West Bank to resume such attacks, with several plots thwarted in recent months.