West Bank Palestinians declare comprehensive strike in solidarity with Gaza and Hamas

Ahram Online , Saturday 7 Oct 2023

Palestinian national and Islamic groups announced on Saturday a widespread strike encompassing all West Bank cities, set to commence on Sunday morning. This move is in solidarity with Hamas' ongoing assault on Israel and expresses support for the people of Gaza.

West Bank general strike
File photo: A Palestinian man walks in front of closed shops during a general strike in the old city of Nablus in the West Bank. AP

 

The decision follows a day of violent confrontations in the West Bank, which erupted in the wake of Hamas' "Al-Aqsa Flood" operation. These confrontations resulted in the tragic loss of four Palestinian lives, including that of a child, and injuries to over 50 others.

In response, the Palestinian education ministry, in collaboration with the Teachers' Union, has suspended Sunday's regular school activities and shifted them to the electronic school system. This measure is being taken "to ensure the safety of our students and teachers."

The death toll stemming from Hamas' extensive attack on Israel has risen to over 200 individuals, as reported by Hebrew-language media. This number is anticipated to increase further. At least 1,100 people have sustained injuries, many of them severe, according to The Times of Israel. Hospitals across southern and central Israel are actively treating the wounded in the ongoing Hamas offensive.

On the Palestinian side, Gaza witnessed the loss of at least 232 lives on Saturday, according to the Palestinian health ministry in the enclave. This followed Israel's response to Hamas militants' rocket barrages with a series of airstrikes on Gaza.

The ministry reported that there were 232 martyrs and 1,700 wounded with various injuries in the conflict.

Muhammad Al-Deif, commander of Hamas' military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, called upon the youth of the West Bank to resist the occupation and urged the youth of Jerusalem to stand up in support of Al-Aqsa.

"Let us ignite the earth in flames in defense of Al-Aqsa," he passionately declared.

The spokesperson for the Al-Qassam Brigades also urged the youth of the West Bank and Jerusalem to rise against the occupiers.

"Confound your enemy and shake his being, for it is as weak as a spider’s home," the spokesperson emphasized.

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