Islamic Jihad denies rift with Hamas
Hamas' lack of participation in the last round of fighting has further cracked the shaky relationship between it and Islamic Jihad, although the two movements deny being on bad terms.
RAMALLAH, West Bank — Following the Egyptian-brokered truce between the Islamic Jihad and Israel on Aug. 7 after three days of fighting, news spread about a rift between Islamic Jihad and Hamas.
The news claimed Islamic Jihad was discontented with Hamas for not fighting along its side in the latest round. No official position or statement is issued so far about this supposed discontent.
However, Israeli statements confirming it had sent messages through mediators to Hamas reassuring it that it was not the target of this round and that it will not be harmed if it doesn't interfere further corroborated the rumors.
The leaderships of the two Palestinian movements deny any rupture or rift between them. Hamas political bureau member Mahmoud al-Zahar told Al-Monitor, “Israel has failed miserably in achieving this rift. If there was a dispute between the two movements, this would have been [officially] reported by the media or in the statements of officials. On the contrary, Hamas leaders participated in funeral gatherings of Islamic Jihad leaders and gave speeches emphasizing the unity of the resistance. The two movements only disagreed on the timing of the battle against Israel.”
