Report: Israel decides to ignore ceasefire violation

Kuwaiti newspaper reports Israel agrees to restrain itself from attacking Gaza Strip if Hamas punishes organizations violating ceasefire
Roee Nahmias

Israel promised Egypt that it would not attack the Gaza Strip even if one of the Palestinian terror organizations violate the ceasefire, the Kuwaiti newspaper al-Qabas reported Wednesday morning.

According to the report, which is based on details provided by Egyptian sources involved in the meeting conducted yesterday between Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Israel agreed to restrain itself if Hamas punishes the organizations violating the calm.

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It was also reported that Israel fears that Hamas’ decisions are being made by Iran. Egypt tried calming Israel by saying that they themselves are responsible for Hamas’ commitment to the agreement. Egypt threatened that if Hamas violates the ceasefire, the government in Cairo will disassociate itself from the Islamist group.

The newspaper also revealed that Egypt is attempting to increase the amount of Palestinians released in the prisoner exchange deal involving kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit from 450 to 600.

As a result of Tuesday’s rocket attack on Sderot, Defense Minister Ehud Barak decided to leave the crossings between Israel and the Gaza Strip closed. Hamas official Fawzi Barhoum said in reaction that Israel’s decision is a breach of the ceasefire agreement.

Nonetheless, Hamas clarified that it will make efforts to maintain the calm. The movement does not intend on allowing Palestinian organizations to continue firing unless they do so in as "retaliation" to Israeli actions.