Ma'an Gaza – Seven armed resistance groups issued a joint statement on Friday condemning the lawlessness in the Gaza Strip and pledging to take steps to combat the phenomenon. The Al Aqsa, Qassam, Sariya Al Quds, Fateh Eagles, Ahmed Abu Arish, and Nasser Salah Addin Brigades, along with the Al Aqsa Brigades Command all signed the statement.
The statement condemned the killing of two Egyptian soldiers, who were described as ‘brothers’ and ‘martyrs’ in an incident on the Gaza – Egypt border on Wednesday. The Brigades said that the death of the soldiers violates Palestinian ethics. The signatories claimed that Palestinians, ‘never aim their guns against anyone except Israel.’
The statement also condemned the kidnapping of foreigners in Gaza, accusing those who commit such acts as being out of touch with the ‘national consensus.’The Brigades labeled the occupation of Palestinian Authority buildings by armed groups as demeaning to the ‘guns and arms which liberated this part of the land [the Gaza Strip].’
The Brigades vowed to deal with any individual involved in attacking a Palestinian institution as they deal with ‘suspicious individuals and agents.’
After fighting between clans and families in the area claimed the life of one Palestinian police officer as well as several civilians in recent weeks, the Brigades asked families to solve their differences without the use of weapons.
The Brigades called on the PA to exert control on the ‘Palestinian street,’ adding that the government must ‘strike strongly against law breakers.’ In order to protect Palestinian citizens, the Brigades announced that they will form a combined force to combat lawlessness.
The Brigades that issued the statement are affiliated with Fateh, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Resistance Committees.