Hamas issues terror threat to Israel: 'We will return to the Intifada'

Palestinian officials from Hamas and the Popular Front called to escalate terrorist activities against Israel.

 Palestinian fighters from the armed wing of Hamas take part in a military parade to mark the anniversary of the 2014 war with Israel, near the border in the central Gaza Strip, July 19, 2023. (photo credit: REUTERS/IBRAHEEM ABU MUSTAFA)
Palestinian fighters from the armed wing of Hamas take part in a military parade to mark the anniversary of the 2014 war with Israel, near the border in the central Gaza Strip, July 19, 2023.
(photo credit: REUTERS/IBRAHEEM ABU MUSTAFA)

Saleh al-Arouri, Deputy Head of Hamas' political bureau, met in Beirut on Saturday with a delegation from the leadership of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine - led by its Deputy Secretary-General, Jamil Mazhar. 

The two called on Hamas and the Popular Front to escalate their opposition against Israel.

The two factions also called on the Palestinian Authority leadership to "return to the intifada in order to achieve national unity and the settlement of the Palestinian home on national and democratic bases."

Both sides reviewed the developments of the two organizations' goals. The meeting also discussed the situation in the Ain al-Hilweh, a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, shortly after the clashes stopped two days ago. They confirmed their support for all parties to stabilize the ceasefire in the area.

The two factions emphasized that internal fighting must be prohibited, and the non-use of weapons in resolving conflicts in the Palestinian camps. They affirmed their desire for peace between Lebanese citizens and authorities, especially in the Sidon region and the southern areas of the country.

Saleh al-Arouri (L), Hamas deputy chief, shakes hands with Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran's National Security Council, during their meeting in Tehran, Iran October 21, 2017. (credit: TASNIM NEWS AGENCY/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS)
Saleh al-Arouri (L), Hamas deputy chief, shakes hands with Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran's National Security Council, during their meeting in Tehran, Iran October 21, 2017. (credit: TASNIM NEWS AGENCY/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS)

Arouri's past threats

Last month, Arouri threatened regional warfare against Israel, to which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Hamas and Iran would pay "full price" for their terrorist attacks against Israel.

Arouri also said that the Israeli government would "suffer a resounding defeat, which will lead to their withdrawal from the entire West Bank.

"The leaders of the occupation government, with their extremist policies, will cause an all-out war in the region,” he continued.

Tovah Lazaroff contributed to this report.