The leaders of prominent Palestinian terrorist organizations have urged Arab nations and the Muslim community to participate in acts of “terrorism” throughout the sacred Islamic month of Ramadan, despite the Biden administration’s efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza during this period.
The Jerusalem Post reported :
“Palestinian Islamic Jihad is calling for Ramadan to be a “month of terror” and seeks to escalate attacks in the West Bank and Gaza. In a recent speech, Abu Hamza, the spokesman for PIJ’s Al-Quds Brigades, said he wants Arab countries in the region and pro-Iranian groups to continue to “unify” various arenas and fronts against Israel. This is the latest indication that terrorist groups plan to seek an escalation in hostilities over the next month. Hamza’s remarks were published by Beirut-based Al Mayadeen news channel, which is pro-Iranian and frequently highlights Hamas and Hezbollah attacks. The terrorist group’s comments are also linked to those made by Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who has called for an escalation of hostilities during Ramadan.”
Ramadan is scheduled to commence on March 10th, as the appearance of the new moon signifies the start of the new month according to the lunar calendar.
Throughout history, Arab and Muslim nations have witnessed numerous conflicts during Ramadan, including the notable Yom Kippur War in 1973. During this war, Egyptian soldiers broke their fasts and crossed the Suez Canal.
However, the Biden administration is approaching Ramadan with utmost sensitivity, recognizing it as a customary period of tranquility. They are actively striving to negotiate a hostage release agreement prior to its commencement.
Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz stated that Ramadan would serve as the deadline for a hostage deal, cautioning that Israel would launch an invasion of the southern Gaza town of Rafah, situated near the Egyptian border, if Hamas does not consent to an agreement.
President Joe Biden has recently seemed to retract a commitment that a hostage deal would be finalized by Monday, March 4, expressing optimism but acknowledging that a deal may not be achieved prior to Ramadan.
