GAZA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement announced on Tuesday that Naji Abu Saif, spokesman for its military wing al-Quds Brigades, was killed during Israeli strikes.
In a press statement, the movement said Israeli forces assassinated Naji Abu Seif, better known as Abu Hamza, in an airstrike that targeted his home and the home of his brother in the Gaza Strip.
It added that the direct strike by Israeli warplanes also resulted in several other casualties among his family members and those of his brother.
"The assassination of Abu Hamza will not weaken the resistance," the statement stressed. "Instead, it will strengthen the resolve to continue confronting Israeli aggression. The blood of the martyrs will fuel the resistance until the land is liberated and people's rights are restored."
The assassination comes as Israeli forces launched a new wave of deadly airstrikes across Gaza early Tuesday, killing more than 400 people. Israel has vowed to intensify the assault if Hamas does not release the remaining hostages held in the enclave, further shattering a fragile ceasefire that took effect on Jan. 19. ■
