Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday emphasized the right of his people to defend themselves, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.
During an emergency meeting with top civilian and security officials, the Palestinian president ordered the necessary protection for the people, stressing the right of the Palestinian people to “defend itself against the terrorism of settlers and occupation forces.”
At least 22 Israelis were killed and more than 70 were wounded in attacks launched this morning on Israel by the armed wing of Hamas, the Izz al-Din Al-Qassam Brigades, from the blockaded Gaza Strip.
The Al-Qassam Brigades announced this morning that they launched a comprehensive operation called “Aqsa Flood” against Israel, and that thousands of rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel, and that armed groups entered settlements in the region.
WAFA reported that at least four Palestinians were killed and five injured in clashes between the Israeli army and Palestinian groups in the border area of the Gaza Strip.