Fatah’s al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades head Zubeidi
צילום: רויטרס
Top terrorist: We're not gloating
Al-aqsa martyrs head is pleased to see the Israelis leave yet, says: "we can't rejoice when someone else's house is destroyed." Armed resistence still going strong
Palestinian terror groups will continue attacks after Israel's disengagement, Zakaria Zubeidi told Ynet.
"Despite the settlements' evacuation in the Jenin area and talk about IDF withdrawal, Palestinian resistance will continue. The al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade will go on fighting until all of the occupied territories are freed."
What's the mood like in Jenin today?
"Thank the lord, we're here and people on the streets are thrilled to see that the end of occupation is in sight. It's the result of our struggle. People hope it is the beginning of a better life; a life with no occupation, oppression, settlements and settlers, without all this evil."
How did you spend the day? Did you sit on a hilltop joyfully observing the evacuation and destruction of settlements?
"We, the Palestinian people, do not rejoice at other people's downfalls. This concept is foreign to us. The Palestinians – more than any other nation in the world and in history – experienced death, oppression and destruction of homes; we can't rejoice when someone else's houses are razed. Yet, we are glad that we succeeded to bring this victory. As I said, we'll continue our struggle until all the territories occupied during the 1967 war are freed."
That means nothing has changed?
"It means that in spite of the Israelis withdrawal, we will not stop fighting. On behalf of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades in Jenin, I say we will not disarm; the battle will go on until all the occupied land is liberated. More sacrifices are required in order to totally abolish the occupation as happened here."
Who claim credit for the victory?
"Surely, this triumph is the result of the Palestinian people sacrifices - especially the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. They were the first – and often the only ones – on the battle field. Many martyrs from all groups shed their blood. Many friends and brothers killed. Thousands of prisoners lost their freedom… We will not cease until Jerusalem and the rest of the West Bank are liberated, a Palestinian state is established and, all prisoners are freed.
Have you picked a villa for yourself in one of the settlements?
"This land is the property of the Palestinian people and the Palestinian nation. We've elected our leadership and we trust it to handle matters with honesty. Yet, if officials try to take over or spraed corruption, we will even the score in the coming election: they'll lose."
