Hamas official: Israel will pay 'high price' for aggression toward Palestinians

Abu Obeida, a spokesman for Hamas’s armed wing, made the statement after the Kassam Brigades completed a day-long military exercise in Gaza.

By ADAM RASGON
Updated: MARCH 27, 2018 00:42
HAMAS SUPPORTERS take part in a rally in Nablus marking the 30th anniversary of the movement’s founding. (photo credit: REUTERS)
HAMAS SUPPORTERS take part in a rally in Nablus marking the 30th anniversary of the movement’s founding.
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Israel will pay a “high price” for any aggression against the Palestinian people, Izzadin Kassam (Hamas’s military wing) spokesman Abu Obeida said on Monday.
He wore a balaclava and army fatigues as he made the remark in a field in the Gaza Strip, while several of the group’s members stood nearby.
“We warn the enemy against moving to perpetrate any stupidity at the expense of our people,” Obeida said.
“We will be ready to respond to any aggression, and the enemy, with God’s permission, will pay a high price.”
He spoke after Izzadin Kassam completed a daylong military exercise in Gaza.
Members of the group simulated responses to Israeli attacks on Gaza during the exercise, Obeida said.
At a weekly cabinet meeting in early February, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the government “does not seek war” but will do “everything” to defend Israel.
Several Hamas officials have recently said they do not want a war with Israel but are continuing to prepare for one.
Over the past 10 years, Israel and armed groups in the Gaza Strip, including Izzadin Kassam, have fought three wars.
The last violent conflict in 2014 lasted 51 days.