Rocket fire on Israel
Photo: AFP
Report: Gaza factions mull armistice
Strip's leaders debate escalation as rocket fire on south continues; say will hold fire if Israel suspends airstrikes over Gaza. 'Israel will be held accountable for escalation,' says joint statement
The Palestinian factions in Gaza Strip met Monday night to "discuss Israeli attacks and threats of a wider IDF operation against Gaza," the Palestinian news agency Maan reported.
Several rockets were fired at Israel on Monday evening, following a barrage in the morning hours. Iron Dome batteries deployed in the south intercepted several rockets. No injuries or damage were reported.
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Talal Abu Tharefa, head of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) was quoted as saying that Hamas called the meeting in an attempt to stave off further casualties on the Palestinian side.
The IAF mounted several strikes against Gaza terror hubs since the onset of the current round of escalation, on Saturday night.
Gaza's rulers have also reportedly approached Egypt and asked it to mediate a ceasefire, in order to stop the situation from spiraling out of control.
"Any truce with Israel must include an end to Israeli airstrikes and attacks, adding that the Palestinian resistance would retain the right to respond to Israeli aggression," Abu Tharefa said.
A joint statement issued following the meeting said that "The Israeli occupation will be held accountable for the massacre against the Palestinian people, which has resulted in the death and injury of dozens of Palestinians over the past two days.
"Israel will bear the ramifications of this escalation. The Palestinian people has the right to defense itself," the statement said.
The factions also urged the international community and humanitarian aid groups "To urgently and immediately intervene to stop the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people.
"The Arab League and the Islamic states must fulfill their duty and support the Palestinian people," the statement said.
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