World scout Movement sends pro-terror Fatah official a letter expressing “condolences” after the latest Hamas rocket war
Headline: “Rajoub receives a letter from the chairman and secretary-general of the World Organization of the Scout Movement”
“Chairman of the Palestinian Scout Association (PSA) Jibril Rajoub received a letter from Chairman of the World Organization of the Scout Movement [WOSM] (sic., Chairman of the World Scout Committee, the main executive body of the WOSM) Craig Turpie and WOSM Secretary-General Ahmad Alhendawi, in which the two welcomed the ceasefire that was achieved in recent days between Palestine and Israel (refers to ceasefire ending Hamas rocket barrages on Israeli cities; see note below -Ed.). Turpie and Alhendawi expressed condolences for the families of the victims who died during the latest wave of escalation and emphasized WOSM’sceaseless efforts to work to build peace and dialogue between everyone.
The letter said: ‘Following the recent developments in the region, we wish to take advantage of the opportunity to clarify WOSM’s position regarding hostilities that have affected the lives of many innocents in recent weeks, and also to emphasize WOSM’s position on everything concerning defending peace, justice, and human rights, including children’s rights worldwide, especially in conflict areas.’
The letter also said: ‘We welcome the ceasefire announcement, and are deeply saddened by the violence that has affected the lives of innocents, including child and adult members of the scouts’ movement. We express our condolences to all the victims and those harmed who lost their loved ones, and emphasize that the death of victims and wounded in the area will leave a deep impression on the minds of innocent children.’
In conclusion, WOSM expressed its support for all the peacemaking efforts. It emphasized its willingness to give all possible forms of aid to achieve this.”
Jibril Rajoub also serves as Head of the PLO Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, Chairman of the Palestinian Football Association, Chairman of the Palestine Olympic Committee, and Chairman of the Palestinian Scout Association (PSA).
Fatah/Hamas Riot and Rocket War 2021 – On April 30, 2021, facing certain electoral defeat, PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas cancelled the first PA elections scheduled in 15 years. Hamas, which expected to win the elections, denounced it as a “coup.” In need of a conflict to divert public discontent, Abbas artificially generated a crisis over Jerusalem. His Fatah party called for "raising the level of confrontation,” and Abbas' spokesman told Palestinians "the battle of all battles is here.” Jerusalem Arabs responded by attacking Jews with rocks and Molotov cocktails. Hamas, Abbas' political rival, could not allow Abbas to lead the battle, so on May 10, 2021, Hamas launched rocket barrages targeting Israeli population centers including Jerusalem. Over the next 11 days, Hamas and Islamic Jihad fired over 4,300 rockets into southern and central Israel from the Gaza Strip, killing 9 Israelis and 3 foreign nationals, and wounding hundreds. In response, Israel launched Operation Guardian of the Walls to target Hamas terror leaders and terror infrastructure in the Gaza Strip. Already in mid-April, a planned eviction of some Palestinian families illegally living in Jewish-owned buildings in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of Jerusalem had led to clashes between Palestinian residents and Israeli police. This dispute provided Palestinians with a pretext for violent rioting. Adding to the crisis, Israeli Arabs started rioting throughout Israel, especially in cities with a mixed Jewish and Arab population. Two Jews were murdered and many were wounded. According to Walla, an independent Israeli news site, 10 synagogues were wholly or partly burned down; fires were set in 112 Jewish homes and 1 Arab home mistaken for a Jewish home; 386 Jewish homes were plundered and 673 were damaged; 849 cars were set ablaze; and there were 5,018 rock-throwing attacks. In response, Jews started attacking Arabs and their properties as well, but on a much smaller scale. No mosques were burned; 13 Arab homes were damaged; 13 Arab-owned cars were burned; and there were 41 rock-throwing attacks by Jews. [Walla, May 16, 2021] The fighting between Israel and Hamas ended with a ceasefire on May 21, 2021.