Islamic Jihad responds to Israeli accusations, warns of escalation

Palestinian Islamic Jihad has warned of Israeli intentions to escalate the situation in the Gaza Strip, reported Xinhua, dismissing a recent uptick in rhetoric directed at the group.

“The threats against the Islamic Jihad, which are being fueled by the Zionist media, are an attempt to justify this aggression”, Islamic Jihad said in a statement published Wednesday.

The statement came following reports that Israeli officials are blaming Islamic Jihad for mortar shell fire last Friday, which had previously been pinned on small Salafist groups. The announcement was cited by Israeli analysts talking up the threat posed by Islamic Jihad.

The statement by Islamic Jihad implicitly responded to claims that they were secretly responsible for the mortar fire, with the group declaring that “we are courageous enough to announce our operations against the occupation”.

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The movement warned Israel of carrying out any military action against the Palestinians, stressing that they will respond to any Israeli military escalation.

The statement concluded by warning Israel that any escalation will be met with a firm response by Palestinian factions.