Israel Matzav

How the Gaza terrorists are spending their vacations

For those of you who think that Gaza terrorists are spending all their 'vacation time' training for the next round of war with Israel, you may be wrong. Some terrorists are actually spending their free time on more worthwhile endeavors - like romance and marriage.

While Israeli officials continue to warn the armed groups in Gaza are exploiting the ceasefire to stockpile weapons, it appears the most wanted Palestinian gunmen have other, more personal matters on their minds. Namely, marriage.

They come from all stripes of political affiliation - from the Izz al-Din al-Qassam, Hamas' military wing and the Salah a-Din Brigades, the military wing of the Popular Resistance Committees, to the al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad.

I wouldn't read too much into that 'most wanted Palestinian gunmen' line. And while the Israeli left might tell you that this is a good thing because it will get them to give up terrorism if they have 'something to live for,' don't hold your breaths on that one.

One of the grooms-in-waiting, a top al-Quds commander, says he has scheduled his wedding on October 26th to honor the anniversary of Islamic Jihad founder Fathi Shikaki's death.

"In choosing this date we want to say that we remember the founding leader," a fellow al-Quds senior operative told Ynet. "We continue to follow in his footsteps and despite the occupation and oppression, the resistance continues to fight and continues to live."

He insisted his friend's betrothal would not hinder his terrorism efforts. "Just last week he completed a lengthy and intensive training program," he said. "In any case, our first priority is the battle against the enemy and the jihad."

A senior PRC member also confirmed his engagement to Ynet. "I can't see why you're interested in such things, but yes, I plan on getting engaged, but first I am busy with renovations. When you don't have airplanes over your head or ground invasions, you have time for these things. But we are keeping our ears to the ground, those Jews could violate the agreement at any time."

Among the newly wed Islamic Jihad operatives are three men who lost limbs in clashes with IDF troops. Despite this, the group stated that "they married regular women, who are either involved in the organization's female wing, or who have no ties to the group."

/sigh

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 10:05 PM