____________________________________________ IICC Perspectives The overall picture was alarming It would mean urban warfare, street-by-street house-tohouse fighting, The enemy could be hidden in every building, on every roof, or behind every window, aided by a local population that helped it plan its defense, diversions, and attacks. It would involve unreasonably high casualties; dozens of soldiers could be killed. I looked for a way to avoid the need for combat. Based on previous military experience in Lebanon, I suggested to the brigade commanders that the Arab Socialist Union be contacted with a proposal for surrender. The idea was discussed and accepted by the Division Command, and one of Abu Ibrahim's aides was chosen as envoy. He was briefed and left with a short message for the organization's commander, according to which IDF forces had encircled the city, avenues of retreat were blocked, and the war was a lost cause. Fighters who laid down their arms would be allowed to leave unharmed. The envoy returned about twenty minutes later with a refusal. The Union fighters were prepared for battle and had no intention of surrendering. They were fully armed and determined to fight against the IDF. I refused to give up. While the battalion was preparing for battle, I went to the Forward Command Squad. The brigade and battalion commanders were busy, but I asked to speak with them. I said, "I don't think we have anything to lose. We have time, the battle isn't going anywhere. It will be awful urban fighting in a densely populated area. Look at those tall buildings. I'm afraid we'll suffer terrible losses." They did not understand what I was talking about and said, "We don’t understand what you want." I said there was no point in rushing and suggested we send the messenger back. Enemy headquarters was besieged, the men were stressed and, in the end, might prefer not to fight. FACEBOOK - O.U. Murabitun - O.U. Murabitun updated their cover Their doubts notwithstanding, and after consulting the division commander, they gave me a green light. The messenger was sent again but almost immediately ran back, panting and barely able to catch his breath. He reported they hadn't even allowed him to approach their headquarters. Some of the fighters threatened to shoot him and demanded he leave immediately, cursing al-Mourabitoun as traitors collaborating with the Israeli enemy. They then shot at him, he said, missing him by inches. It seemed all was lost, and I was both disappointed and frustrated. Soon the order would be given, and there would be heavy fighting all around us. In retrospect, I find it difficult to evoke the moments during which I decided to do something which even today seems hopeless. I got up, went to the command group, and pulled aside the brigade commander, who was busy giving orders to his young officers. I made the conversation short.
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