Military Communiqué

Huda Ghalia's Cries are Answered

Operation Dispelled Illusion

Painful Strike and Clear Message against Occupation Aggression

Today, the illusion that the occupation has broken the Palestinian will has been dispelled. The steadfastness and determination of the Palestinian resistance fighters and their good preparations have made the occupation pay part of the price for its crimes against Palestinians.

For nearly 16 months, Palestinian resistance factions have generally abided by a ceasefire brokered by regional powers in an effort to stop the bloodshed engulfing Palestine since the eruption of Al-Aqsa Intifada. However, these 16 months have brought calm to the occupation's side, while maintaining the suffering of Palestinians. Thus, resistance factions, including Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades, are forced to exercise their right to respond to the occupation crimes, and resist its aggression and arrogance.

Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades, Nasser Salah El-Deen Brigades, and the Islamic Army conducted an operation against an occupation army outpost this morning. At 05:15, the operation started with mortar fire against Sofa and Karem Abu Salem checkpoints. The bombardment was videotaped and sent to the media. After the bombardment, a joint special unit of the 3 factions infiltrated behind enemy lines into an advance support and intelligence outpost. The soldiers in the outpost were either killed or injured. In addition, one Merkava 3 tank and an armored personnel carrier were destroyed, and their crews eliminated. Part of the outpost was destroyed in the operation. Two mujahideen were martyred in the operation:

Hamed El-Rantisi, from Naser Salah El-Deen Brigades

Mohammad Ferwana, from the Islamic Army

The operation was conducted quickly and according to the detailed operational plan, which was based on extensive intelligence work. We confirm that the operation was a total success despite the enemy’s efforts to hide its casualties.

Occupation forces, which have killed dozens of Palestinian civilians over the past few weeks, know that the population centers of the settlers are not beyond the reach of Palestinian resistance. However, the resistance decided to send this operation as a strong message to keep civilians out of the conflict. It is a message to the enemy's prime minister, minister of defense, and chief of staff who all feel that they need to prove themselves by massacring Palestinian civilians.

This operation is an answer to the cries of Huda Ghalia and other Palestinian children. It is a gift to the prisoners in occupation jails, including Ibrahim Hamed. The operation is a gift to the steadfast Palestinian people and their supporters in the Islamic and Arab world. It is a gift to the fallen martyrs and their families, including the fallen commanders Fawzi Abu El-Qar'e, Hasan El-Madhoun, Abu Yousef El-Qouqa, Jamal Abu Samhadana, and Khaled El-Dahdouh.

Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigade, Nasser Salah Ad-Deen Brigades & Islamic Army

June 25, 2006