Israel Matzav

Hamas rejects cease fire

During the night, we were concerned to hear that there was going to be a cease fire, first at 6:00 and then at
9:00 am on Tuesday morning. But for now, at least, there is no cease fire. Hamas has rejected it.

Hamas rejected Egypt’s proposed ceasefire in Gaza on Monday night, as Arab foreign ministers in Cairo called on "all parties" to accept the proposal.

Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said the group would not accept a truce without a fully-fledged deal to end hostilities, according to AFP.

"A ceasefire without reaching an agreement is rejected. In times of war, you don't cease fire and then negotiate," he told the news agency.

Barhoum added Hamas had not received any official proposal and that "the weapons of the resistance are a red line."

Earlier Monday night, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said the group would not agree to any ceasefire that does not “meet the demands of the Palestinian people.”

“Today we are facing an important stage in the conflict with the Israeli occupation. Years of a blockade did not prevent our resistance from taking all possible measures to protect the Palestinian people,” he added.

“The Zionist enemy forced the war on us and planned it. Today we are fulfilling our duty to protect our people and our honor," declared Haniyeh.

Meanwhile, the Arab foreign ministers said in a statement they "demand all parties concerned accept the Egyptian initiative" and commit to its terms.

You'd think Hamas was winning or something. On Israel Radio at 5:00 am, they said that the cease fire was a good idea, because it would allow the Hamas leadership to emerge from their bunkers and see how their people are suffering. As if they care.

Heh.

Labels: cease fire, Gaza, Hamas rockets, Operation Protective Edge

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 7:53 AM