Hamas, Islamic Jihad — an unbreakable bond
The recent escalation between Israel and Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip has raised questions as Hamas refrained from partaking in the fighting.
RAMALLAH, West Bank — The Gaza Strip witnessed a two-day confrontation that kicked off at dawn on Nov. 12, as Israel targeted Islamic Jihad leaders.
An Israeli airstrike hit the home of Islamic Jihad leader Bahaa Abu el-Atta who was killed along with his wife. Later on the same day, Islamic Jihad leader Akram al-Ajouri survived an Israeli missile attack in Damascus, which resulted in the death of his son Moaz.
Throughout the hours of confrontation, Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of Islamic Jihad, spearheaded the bombing of Israeli cities and settlements adjacent to the Gaza Strip with dozens of rockets in an operation coded "Roar of the Dawn.”
Other Palestinian military wings joined the battle, including Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades affiliated with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Mujahedeen Brigades, Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades and Nidal al-Amoudi Battalion of Fatah's military wing. Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, decided not to get involved.
