Hamas Condemns Fatah Official Over 1996 Attack Claims
Hamas strongly condemned Fatah official Jibril Rajoub after he claimed that former leader Khaled Mashal directed 1996 terror attacks to defeat Shimon Peres.
Hamas Slams Jibril Rajoub Over 1996 Attacks Claim
Tension has escalated between Hamas and senior Fatah official Jibril Rajoub after he accused former Hamas leader Khaled Mashal of orchestrating terror attacks in 1996 to intentionally defeat then-Prime Minister Shimon Peres and bring the Israeli right wing to power.
In a recent interview with Arab media, Rajoub stated that attacks in the Ashkelon area during the 1996 election cycle were directed by Mashal to halt the Oslo Accords. Rajoub claimed that a detained operative confessed he received direct orders from the political bureau chief to carry out the bombings.
The attacks in the Ashkelon area decided the elections in favor of the right wing. The operative told us he received instructions from the head of the political bureau, Khaled Mashal.
Hamas Denies Allegations and Demands Unity
In response, Hamas issued a sharp rebuke, rejecting Rajoub's statements as false and baseless accusations. The terror organization claimed the remarks contradict national responsibility and undermine ongoing Palestinian dialogue.
"We regret these claims at this sensitive time," the organization stated. Hamas called for an immediate halt to statements that inflame tensions and urged leaders to respect the history of the armed struggle.
