'Gaza groups won’t blink first'

Egyptian sources tell London's Al-Hayat Islamic Jihad, Popular Resistance Committees demand Israel halts strike on Gaza before even considering ceasefire

Elior Levy, Roi Kais|Published: 03.12.12 , 11:05

Egypt is reportedly stepping up its efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza's terror groups, Ynet learned on Monday.

According to the London-based Arabic newspaper Al-Hayat, Cairo and Jerusalem officials have discussed the matter and Israel has expressed willingness to halt its strike on the Gaza Strip – as long as the "Palestinian resistance factions cease their operations against Israel."

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An Egyptian source told the paper that the Popular Resistance Committees were adamantly against any armistice, unless Israel holds its fire first.

"Israel is the aggressor here so it's hard to convince the PRC to hold their fire, especially since their new secretary-general was assassinated," he said.

The Egyptian source added that "Israel's aggression towards Gaza is another attempt by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to portray himself as the only man who can brings Israel security, political and economical stability. Israel's policies are… wrong. They are not being smart," he said.

Jihadist gearing to fire rockets (Photo: AFP)

The source, which the paper said was "closely involved in Egypt's effort to broker a lull," added that "Israel, instead of sending a message of peace and harmony, is sending a message of violence and blood."

He urged the Israeli government to review its policies: "They mustn’t forget their last war against Gaza," he said.

Also Monday, Islamic Jihad Deputy Secretary-General Ziad a-Nahala denied his organization was involved in any ceasefire negotiations.

"Israel is the aggressor and so it has to halt fire first. After that, we will assess the situation and decide on a ceasefire," he said.

Meanwhile, Riyad Mansour, the PLO's observer to the United Nations, filed a grievance over Israel's "aggression" with the Security Council, the UN General Assembly and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Mansour denounced "Israel's bloody brutality and terrorist acts against the Palestinian people," and urged a UN condemnation.