Israeli attacks on Syria unacceptable

Leading Hamas official Salah Bardawil Gaza - Mohammed Habib Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) member and leading Hamas official Salah Bardawil has described the recent Israeli airstrikes on Damascus as "utterly unacceptable and inexcusable," adding that the "serious violation" confirms Israel’s policy of "terror and aggression." The PLC member cautioned that the raids could set a precedent for Israel to seize Arab capitals, and urged the Arab League to take a firm stance against Israel. Bardawil told Arabstoday that he blames Palestinian National Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas for stalling reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah "in response to American demands," noting that PLO official Saeb Erekat had confirmed Washington’s request to halt progress. Bardawil reaffirmed Hamas’ commitment to expediting reconciliation with Fatah. "We do not require any further dialogue. We simply need to implement the agreements signed by both parties," he explained. The Hamas official described the PA’s push for continued negotiations as "absurd," adding: "We regret that the PA is not serious about reconciliation, and continues to perceive it as a merely tactical matter." Bardawil asserted that reconciliation between the two Palestinian factions is a "necessary strategy" and urged the PA to make a concerted effort to change their approach. He also demanded an end to security operations that target Hamas. The PLC member lauded Turkish support for Palestinians, describing Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s recent visit to the Gaza Strip as "an excellent step." Bardawil bemoaned the PA’s lukewarm reaction to the visit, suggesting that the body has adopted a partisan and factional approach, and wrongly believes that any support for Palestinian people in Gaza undermines their dominion over Palestinian representation. The Hamas official also elaborated on enduring impediments to Palestinian travel, saying that while conditions at the Rafah crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt had improved, Palestinians continue to suffer mistreatment at the hands of Egyptian officials. Bardawil explained that he was turned away from the Rafah crossing, together with fellow PLC member Ismail al-Ashqar. Egyptian intelligence officials confirmed the Palestinian officials had been blacklisted for no reason. Major General Nader el-Aasar from Egypt’s General Intelligence Service subsequently apologised, claiming that the Hamas officials’ entry had been barred in error. The PLC member emphasised that prohibiting a Palestinian deputy from entering Egypt should not go unnoticed, adding that Palestinians should be treated in a better way.