Gaza cleric calls violation of Israel truce sinful
New fatwa issued by leading Gaza Muslim cleric says honoring truce 'duty of each and every one of us'
A leading Islamic cleric in the Gaza Strip has ruled it a sin to violate the recent ceasefire between Israel and the Hamas militant group that controls the Palestinian territory.
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The fatwa, or religious edict, issued by Suleiman al-Daya late Saturday accords a religious legitimacy to the truce and could justify any act by Gaza's government to enforce it.
"Honoring the truce, which was sponsored by our Egyptian brethren, is the duty of each and every one of us. Violating it shall constitute a sin," the fatwa read.
The Wednesday truce put an end to an eight-day Israeli offensive against Gaza terrorists who fired rockets into Israel. The agreement remains fragile because details beyond the initial ceasefire have not yet been worked out.
Hamas sings a different tune
Saturday, Israeli state officials confirmed that Israel has started introducing easements for civilians in Gaza in accordance with the ceasefire understandings.
Meanwhile, Hamas' Deputy Politburo chief Mousa Abu Marzook said Hamas won't stop making weapons in Gaza or smuggling them to the territory.
Moreover, top Hamas figure Mahmoud al-Zahar said that after Hamas' rocket fire, on Israel "the Jews will think twice before" attacking Iran.
"We have no choice but to continue to bring in weapons by all possible means," he said, adding that he expected Tehran would "increase its military and financial support to Hamas."
"We have a right to take money and weapons from Iran. They (Iran) give to us for the sake of God, no conditions attached, and I am a witness to that," Zahar told reporters.
