Israel Matzav

Egypt to 'Palestinians': 'We can't protect you'

A top Egyptian official on Saturday called on Palestinian factions in Gaza to maintain the lull with Israel, and warned that further escalation and rocket fire toward Israeli cities could prompt a military operation in the Strip.

Speaking to London-based al Hayat paper, the official said: "We cannot continue pushing the Israeli side and prevent it from striking Gaza, especially when the other Palestinian factions are not committed to keeping the lull."

The official claimed that internal elements in Jerusalem are trying to push the IDF to give Gaza a hard blow, adding that his country is making efforts to dissuade Israel from mounting an offensive, but even their influence has boundaries.

In the interview, the Cairo official noted that even though the Jewish States' security establishment is aware that Hamas is not behind the recent rocket attacks on Israel, it still holds the Islamic faction directly responsible, due to its control over the Strip.

Labels: Gaza, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, rockets

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 7:49 AM