Palestinian resistance movement Hamas on Tuesday blasted Israeli claims that it was responsible for the recent disappearance of three Jewish settlers as "politically driven," according to a Hamas statement issued Tuesday.
"The group will not comment on Israel's accusations, which seek to justify Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people," read the statement.
Tension have run high in the Palestinian territories since three teenage Jewish settlers went missing late Thursday from the Jewish-only Gush Etzion settlement bloc, located near the southern West Bank city of al-Khalil (Hebron).
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Hamas of abducting the trio. The Gaza-based group earlier dismissed the accusation as "stupid."
Since Thursday's reported disappearances, Israeli forces have detained scores of Palestinians – including dozens of former Hamas-affiliated ministers and lawmakers – in raids conducted throughout the West Bank.
"The Palestinian people have the right to defend themselves and support their compatriots held in Israeli prisons – regardless of who's behind the Hebron operation," Hamas said.
No Palestinian groups have thus far claimed responsibility for the alleged kidnapping.
By Ola Attalah
englishnews@aa.com.tr
