In a statement on Friday, Hamas criticized Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s proposal to dissolve the Israeli civil administration responsible for Palestinian affairs in the occupied territories. The group views this move as part of a larger Israeli strategy to impose administrative and political sovereignty over the West Bank.

Hamas called on Palestinians from all factions to adopt a national program focused on resisting Israeli occupation, countering Judaization efforts in Jerusalem, and opposing annexation initiatives in the West Bank. The program, according to the statement, should also address what Hamas describes as Israel’s “brutal war on the Gaza Strip” and its attempts to undermine Palestinian aspirations for liberation and self-determination.

Hamas urged the Palestinian Authority (PA) to embrace national unity by aligning with Palestinian resistance forces and halting all forms of security cooperation with Israel.

Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich recently announced his intent to shut down the civil administration, marking a step toward Israel’s broader annexation goals. According to a report by Ynet, Smotrich described the plan as a deliberate process that has been discussed with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Washington’s incoming ambassador, Yechiel Leiter.

“This was once an impossible reality, and we can make it a reality,” Smotrich stated, emphasizing his commitment to the initiative.

The developments signal an escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with calls for intensified resistance from Palestinian factions and ongoing policy shifts from the Israeli government regarding the occupied territories. (ILKHA)