The Islamic Resistance Movement has condemned what it described as the “incitement campaign and threats” against the Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Initiative (PNI), Dr Mustafa Barghouti. Hamas said yesterday that it regards the threats and incitement against Barghouti as “targeting national unity and Palestinian social fabric and an escalation of a political exclusion policy.”

It called on the Palestinian people, factions and institutions to oppose these “unpatriotic practices” which, it said, are intended to undermine the people’s leadership and freedom. There is also a need, it insisted, to “confront behaviour” that contradicts Palestinian national values, and to unite in order to confront the Israeli occupation’s plans and brutal massacres in the occupied West Bank, Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.
Barghouti said on Saturday that he had received a letter signed by “Al-Fatah Storm Army 2” demanding that he should not speak to the media or leave his home unless to carry out his duties as a medical doctor. The letter also demanded that he should apply for permission from Fatah’s High Mobilisation and Organisation Office in Ramallah with a schedule to leave and return to his home.
The PNI official accused “suspicious parties” of claiming to impose house arrest on him, and pointed out that Fatah has denied any connection to the threatening message.
The Palestinian National Initiative, which is part of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, warned against anyone harming Barghouti. It explained that the threats are intended to silence him and prevent him from reaching the Palestinian people who follow and support him widely. The PNI described the letter as “suspicious and dangerous”.