In response to US warning, Hamas claims it is dealing with militias ‘according to law’

Hamas rejects allegations made in a warning issued by the US State Department last night that accused the terror group of intending to harm Gaza residents and that this would constitute a violation of the ceasefire agreement.

In its statement, Hamas asserts that “the police forces in Gaza, with extensive assistance from residents, are fulfilling their national duty by pursuing militias and holding them accountable according to clear laws, in order to protect residents and property.”

The statement further says that the facts on the ground are the opposite of the US claims: “It is the occupation authorities [Israel] that established, armed and financed criminal militias that carried out acts of murder and kidnapping and stole aid trucks.”

Netanyahu in June admitted that Israel was working with and arming local militias in Gaza as a counterpoint to Hamas.

Hamas adds that the accusations from the US “are consistent with Israeli propaganda that provides cover for the continuation of occupation crimes.”

Over the past week, Hamas members have reportedly executed dozens of members of rival clans along with other Palestinians accused of collaborating with Israel.