Qassam in Sderot
Photo: Ze'ev Trachtman
'Hamas wants to influence Israeli elections'
Palestinian sources in Gaza say Hamas purposely provoking Israel to end ceasefire and influence upcoming general elections. 'Hamas wants right-wing gov't to end diplomatic process; group functions best during military clashes,' says source
Palestinian sources in the Gaza Strip said the past week's escalation and Qassam attacks on Israel are no coincidence, and that Hamas is trying to heat things up on the southern front ahead of general elections in Israel, in hopes of leading to the election of a right-wing party.
Hamas sources denied the claims and said the shooting was a response to Israel's violation of the ceasefire.
Palestinian sources told Ynet that Hamas was looking for a way to end the diplomatic process. "Hamas wants Netanyahu," one source said.
"They know his election will put an end to the diplomatic process. With right-wing leadership, the chance of military clashes grows, and Hamas functions best in such a situation, and support for the group grows, while support for those who seek negotiations weakens."
The source warned that "if there is no Egyptian intervention and renewed examination of the ceasefire in its current form that will lead to the opening of the crossings, Hamas will continue its policy that will lead to the ultimate collapse of the truce."
Hamas' military wing, Izz al-Din al-Qassam claimed responsibility for eight of the 10 rockets that were fired on Israel Friday. Salah al-Din Brigades, the Popular Resistance Committees' military wing claimed responsibility for the other two.
The Hamas-affiliated organization said the attack was in response to Israel's violation of the ceasefire.
Hamas spokesmen on Friday called for a response to "Israel's crimes" and said the ceasefire has begun "the countdown to its end".
