Hamas members. Photo: Truth Revolt.

Websites affiliated with Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad praised the recent spike in terrorist attacks during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, and encouraged further violence, the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) reports.

The websites emphasized the connection between Ramadan and rising attacks targeting Israelis, describing a stronger motivation to sacrifice one’s life during the holiday.

“During Ramadan, the Palestinians welcome resistance to the occupation and carry it out with a different flavor that reflects courage, investment [of efforts], and a natural willingness for sacrifice during this most important month for all Muslims. Ever since the first intifada, martyrdom operations, [such as] stabbing and shooting attacks have had a special character during the month of Ramadan…,” an article posted on the Hamas-affiliated website Palinfo.com and translated by MEMRI said.

Muhammad Al-Qaram, who participated in a 2001 bus bombing in Haifa that killed 15 people and wounded dozens more, explained how he drove the terrorist to the attack site.

“During Ramadan there is a special air of willingness to invest effort and sacrifice in every way, based on religious and emotional influences [that affect] the Muslims and the possessors of just rights and prompt them to risk their lives,” he said.

The website also featured religious clerics and experts referring to Ramadan as the month of historic Islamic military victories and jihad when fighters prepare to fight the enemy – in this context, Jews.

“In Islam, Ramadan is the month of jihad, resistance and victories. During this month, people stand ready to sacrifice, and when Muslims are zealous for their homeland, their strength and energies awaken,” said Islamic law professor Maher Al-Houli. “… During this month, their resistance and faith are stronger. In the history of Palestine, many campaigns were won and many acts of sacrifice were carried out during Ramadan.”

Similar sentiments were expressed on Hamas affiliated website Omamh.com in an article titled “Ramadan – The Month of Resistance In The West Bank.” It glorified recent Palestinian terrorist attacks during Ramadan and encouraged further violence, characterizing the latest attacks as “quality operations carried out by fasting fighters” who derived inspiration from last summer’s war in Gaza against Israel that also took place during Ramadan.

Steven Emerson is the Executive Director the Investigative Project on Terrorism (www.investigativeproject.org) where this article first appeared.