16 April  2001

In the name of Allah the most Gracious the most Merciful

Statement on the Zionist aggression against Syrian military positions in Lebanon

In a serious escalation, the Zionist enemy’s warplanes pounded a radar position for the Syrian forces working in Lebanon leading to the martyrdom of three soldiers and the injury of others.

We, in the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, condemn this brutal aggression and warn of the repercussions of such an escalatory aggressive policy of war criminal terrorist Sharon and the possibility of its expansion in more than one direction in the region.

Today’s aggression against the Syrian forces comes in continuation of the enemy’s arrogance, aggressions and daily massacres against our unarmed people in Palestine. Murder, cold-blooded assassinations, damaging lands, demolishing houses, displacing their inhabitants, besieging cities and starving their inhabitants have turned into a daily practice for Sharon and his terrorist gang.

Zionist arrogance and crimes are covered with absolute backing on the part of the American administration, which gave Sharon a free hand and a green light. This aggression also continues and escalates amidst a meager Arab position that did not live up to the challenge confronting our Nation.

We express our great anger due to the official Arab position that stands idle in face of the enemy’s massacres against our people and remains content with betting on the American role and the so-called peace process with the criminal enemy. Some of the Arabs even maintain contacts and meetings with terrorist Sharon at a time when his hands are still smeared with our children’s blood. Doesn’t that weak Arab stance lure Sharon into persisting in his aggressions and crimes?!

The Zionist danger does not only threaten our Palestinian people but the whole Arab and Islamic Nation. Sharon’s threats do not have any limit, he threatens Jordan considering it the alternative homeland (for the Palestinians) and one of his ministers threatens to flatten the High Dam in Egypt with missiles. This is how they treat countries signing peace treaties with them, how would they treat other Arab and Islamic countries?!

We appeal to the Arab and Islamic governments and peoples to defend with pride their dignity, their very existence and destiny. They must shoulder their responsibility in repelling the Zionist aggression and must support and defend our people in Palestine. They should back the steadfast brothers in Syria and Lebanon for the enemy is one, the danger is one and the fate is one. Let the Nation stand united in face of aggression. Let the Nation affirm that it will always remain a Nation of Jihad, steadfastness and challenge … for this is the only road to victory and liberation Insha’allah.

“Truly Allah loves those who fight in His Cause in battle array, as if they were a solid cemented structure.”

“The Believers, men and women, are protectors, one of another…”

The Islamic Resistance Movement
Hamas – Palestine
Monday 22^nd Muharram 1422H
16^th April 2001AD