Palestinian factions in Gaza have strongly condemned remarks made by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who referred to Hamas as “sons of dogs” and called for the release of remaining Israeli captives in Gaza.
Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas official, labeled Abbas’ comments as “insulting.” Abbas had stated that Hamas’ refusal to release the captives was giving Israel a justification to continue its destructive military actions in Gaza.
The exchange highlights the deepening rift between Abbas’ Palestinian Authority and Hamas, with the PA accusing Hamas of damaging Palestinian unity, while Hamas criticizes Abbas for allegedly collaborating with Israel and suppressing dissent in the West Bank.
Abbas’ comments came amid continued Israeli airstrikes on Gaza that killed at least 45 people and wounded over 100 on Wednesday, according to medical sources. Six members of a family, including a couple and their four children, were killed when an airstrike destroyed their home in northern Gaza City. Nine others were killed and several more wounded in a strike on a former police station in the Jabalia area. In another incident, five people died when Israeli airstrikes hit tents where civilians had sought refuge.
