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| By israelinsider staff May 30, 2007 |
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As the security cabinet decided during a meeting Wednesday to continue it's current operations in Gaza and not to accept a ceasefire recently mentioned by Hamas, Khaled Mashaal declared that Hamas would not be deterred by Israeli military action.
Meanwhile four Qassams were fired into Israel Wednesday, one hitting a home. No one was home at the time, and therefore none were wounded.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, "It was emphasized [at the cabinet meeting] that Israel is not conducting any negotiations for a cease-fire with the terrorist organizations,"
The statement also said that the cabinet cited a "relative decrease in Qassam rocket launchings," and decided that the IDF should continue "attacks and military pressure on terrorist groups, mainly Hamas and Islamic Jihad."
Currently the military operations include IAF strikes and targeted assassinations on Hamas and the Islamic Jihad, as well as those responsible for Qassams, and limited ground operations in Gaza.
According to a Jerusalem source Tuesday, the growing number of casualties and arrests is putting Hamas under pressure, and that Hamas and the Islamic Jihad are firing fewer Qassams due to Israeli operations.
Despite this, exiled Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal stated Tuesday that rocket attacks would continue.
"Under occupation, people don't ask whether their means are effective in hurting the enemy. The occupiers always have the means to hurt the people they control. The Palestinians have only modest means, so they defend themselves however they can," stated Mashaal in an interview with British newspaper The Guardian.
Mashaal also blamed foreign intervention for the increasing tension between Fatah and Hamas, and warned that should the international community pressure his organizations, it would cause an "explosion" affecting the whole Middle East.
"Palestinians have made some mistakes and wrong bets. But negative foreign intervention, especially by the U.S. and Israel, is responsible for these internal conflicts," he stated.
"Now the international community is trying to undermine Hamas. That will lead to an explosion that will be in the face of the Israeli occupation. The damage will affect the stability of the entire region," warned Mashaal.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Olmert is expected to me PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas to discuss the current situations.
Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni will meet US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Austria Thursday.
Abbas has also accepted an invitation by Egyptian security head Omar Suleiman to meet Hamas in Cairo.
Also, MKs Avshalom Vilan and Zahava Gal-On have been trying to advance a new diplomatic plan that would give accountability of Gaza to the Arab League, in cooperation with the EU, and a multinational force would be dispelled in the area. |
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