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House damaged by Qassam in Sderot
Photo: AP
Negev farmers at work
Photo: Yoel Marshak

Sderot residents fear Hamas rearmament during truce

Negev skeptical of imminent ceasefire between Israel, armed organizations in Gaza. 'During the last Hudna a Qassam fell near my house,' resident says. 'Those who believe in the possibility of a ceasefire should be committed to a mental hospital,' another resident adds

The ceasefire between Israel and armed Palestinian terror groups is expected to go into effect on Thursday at 6 am, but the residents of Sderot, who have suffered from near incessant rocket fire over the past seven years, remain skeptical of Hamas' intentions and say they will continue to sleep in secure rooms.

 

Furthermore, sources in the municipality said the emergency measures will not be lifted, in accordance with security establishment directives. "Apparently the army also knows a thing or two about the real essence of this truce," one of them said.

 

The western Negev was hit by no less than 29 Qassam rockets and 10 mortars on Wednesday. One woman was lightly injured while running for cover.

 

Resident Hava Gad told Ynet that her family will continue to sleep in secure rooms. "I stress out when I hear the word 'Hudna (lull)'. Today I went shopping for basic food items and cigarettes, as though I was preparing for a war to break out," she said. "There is no such thing as a 'Hudna' – during the last one a Qassam fell near my house."

 

'Truce should be given a chance'

Aviram Deri said the news reports of a ceasefire are "ridiculous", adding "maybe there will be come for a little while, then rearmament and renewed attacks. They don’t need six months to arm themselves. This was the case in the past and this is what will happen now – as long as there is no real operation (on the part of the IDF)."

 

Captain (res.) Ran Yadi, founder of an organization that seeks to "put an end to Palestinian terror" said, "Those who believe in the possibility of a ceasefire should be committed to a mental hospital. The others who see the reality for what it is understand how delusional this notion is."

 

The western Negev farmers, who were forced to cultivate their land under heavy rocket fire over the past few months, said the economic repercussions of these attacks were severe and that they hope the ceasefire will give them a chance to work more effectively and without fear.

 

"This (truce) is the right move as far as the government is concerned; it should be given a chance," said Ilan Peretz, and fellow farmer Yochi Kepler of Kibbutz Ein Hashlosha, where a foreign worker from Ecuador was killed by a Qassam rocket just a few months ago, said "I hope that under the ceasefire we will be able to work in peace without being fired at."

 

Yonat Atlas contributed to the report

 


פרסום ראשון: 06.19.08, 00:38
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