As Ibn Taymiyya demonstrated some 700 years past, “Defensive warfare is the most critical form of warfare, [since we are] warding off an invader from [our] sanctities and religion. It is a unanimously accepted duty. After belief, there is no greater duty than to repulse the invading enemy who corrupts faith and the world. There are no rules or conditions for this; he must be expelled by all possible means. Our learned ulama and others have all agreed to this. It is imperative to distinguish between repulsing the invading, oppressive infidel [Defensive Jihad] and pursuing him in his own lands [Offensive Jihad].”

In other words, after faith itself, nothing is more obligatory to Muslims than “repelling” invading infidels — which, of course, is precisely how Israel’s actions are being rationalized. Moreover, there are “no rules or conditions” involved: i.e., suicide-bombings are unquestionably valid. The jihad against Israel is therefore obligatory to all Muslims — including women and children; the latter need not even receive permission from their fathers, which may be required before going on an offensive jihad.
“Hamas Women Vow to Become ‘Martyrdom-Seekers’ and Blow Themselves Up Among ‘the Apes and Pigs,'” from MEMRI, December 31 (thanks to JW):
Following are excerpts from footage of Hamas female martyrdom-seekers in Gaza, which aired on Al-Aqsa TV on December 30, 2008.
Masked woman clad in explosives belt: “I, the martyrdom-seeker Umm Suheib, have dedicated myself for the sake of Allah, and for the sake of redeeming my family, from which I have lost eight martyrs so far. I swear by Allah that I will turn my body parts into a fire that will burn the occupation soldiers, if they move towards my house.
Continue reading Hamas women vow to become "martyrdom-seekers" by detonating among the "apes and pigs"