Bethlehem - Ma'an - Spokesman of Al-Qassam Brigades Abu Obeida told members of the Hamas-affiliated militant group that "In any next confrontation with the Zionist army, the Brigades will not keep silent; we will take any measure to protect the Palestinian people."

Abu Obeida's comments came following the broadcast of remarks by Israel's military Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi at an officer graduation ceremony, were he said “The army will return to face the places where they [Gaza militants] launch rockets which is in the most densely populated areas, [soldiers will return] to fight in the villages, cities, mosques, hospitals, kindergartens and schools because the enemies want to impose this method of fighting against Israel."

A website dedicated to the Al-Qassam Brigades quoted the spokesperson as saying, "These proclamations indicate that the Zionist entity is fribble [sic] with the international community, so if the international community did not protect the Palestinian civilians, we have the right to do that."