Hamas Leader Calls for Return of Suicide Attacks

Khaled Mashaal, a senior Hamas leader, called for a resurgence of suicide bombings against Israelis in the West Bank during a recent conference in Istanbul. He asserted that the ongoing conflict could only be resolved through open warfare, criticizing U.S. attempts to broker a ceasefire and accusing Israel of escalating violence. Mashaal's remarks follow a failed suicide bombing in Tel Aviv earlier this month, which Hamas claimed was part of its ongoing commitment to such attacks. The Israel Defense Forces have responded with significant counterterrorism operations in northern Samaria. Mashaal also emphasized the need for collective Palestinian resistance against what he termed the 'Zionist entity'. This call for violence marks a notable shift as suicide bombings have been rare since the Second Intifada.