Palestinians Hold Large Funeral for Martyr

Family mourns the passing of Mazen Fuqaha, a Hamas leader in Gaza assasinated by Israeli forces.

Gaza, 27 Jumadil Akhir 1438/26 March 2017 (MINA) – A large number of Palestinians held a somber funeral in Gaza On Saturday for the slain Mazen Fuqaha, a former detainee who was gunned down on Friday.

“The Palestinian people will pursue march on the path of martyrdom till liberation of Jerusalem and the whole of Palestine,” said Ismail Haniyah, a former premier and member of the Islamic movement’s politburo, addressing the huge crowds bidding farewell to the martyr.

Fuqaha, who was released from an Israeli prison in 2011, was shot dead outside his house in Tal Al-Hawa village, west of Gaza city. Hamas has already accused Israel of assassinating him.

Also Read: HANIYEH: HAMAS NOT SEEKING TO ESTABLISH A PALESTINIAN STATE IN GAZA

“Blood of the martyr is precious and will not be wasted,” vowed Mushir Al-Masri, another Hamas leader, in remarks to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

He charged the Israeli intelligence, the Mossad, with plotting the ex-prisoner assassination, affirming that Izz-Eddine Al-Qassam, military wing of Hamas, “will avenge his assassination.”

“The Palestinian people shed tears over martyrdom of Fuqaha,” said Walid Al-Awad, also a member of the Islamic organization’s political bureau, expressing deep distress shared by many Palestinians, especially Gazans. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)