In Twitter remarks, Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said it was time for the Palestinian resistance to fulfill its vow and avenge the martyrs’ blood.

“The valiant resistance is determined, with all honor, dignity and sense of responsibility, to reverse the balance of the battle with the enemy and fight it with confidence and ability,” Barhoum stated.

For its part, Islamic Jihad said that the Palestinian resistance is committed to protecting its people in Gaza, describing its retaliation to Israel’s repeated crimes and ongoing aggression as “legitimate.”

Islamic Jihad accused Israel of disregarding its obligations and ignoring the current efforts being made to avoid another war, affirming that the resistance has the right to defend its people in Gaza if Israel persisted in its aggression.

Besides, Hamas will keep defending the Palestinian people against the ceaseless Israeli aggressions on the blockaded Gaza Strip, the movement has said.

Hamas spokesman Abdul Latif AlKanou’ said on Facebook that the escalated pace of Israel’s arbitrary offensives on the besieged coastal enclave of Gaza and attacks against civilians make part of a preplanned warfare scheme.

Hamas vowed that Israel will be forced to pay a heavy price for its crimes against the Palestinians.

Hamas leader Sami Abu Zuhri held the Israeli occupation accountable for the escalation of bloody hostilities, which took away the lives of civilians in the enclave.

Abu Zuhri called on the international community to take urgent action in response to Israel’s horrendous crimes against the Palestinians.