Hamas, who rules in Gaza Strip said Wednesday night it was ready to restore a truce with Israel under Egyptian mediation, provided it is reciprocal. This came after three days of violence in the Gaza Strip and its surroundings.
"Responding to Egyptian efforts to try to stop the aggression against our people, we, the Ezzedine al-Qassam, and all resistance factions declare our commitment to stop this round of clashes if (Israel) agrees to stop its crimes, "said the Hamas military wing in a statement.
A Palestinian official in Gaza who requested anonymity had earlier said that Egypt "increasing efforts towards Palestinian movements and Israel to restore calm," noting that the Palestinian factions were willing to do if Israel does the same.
The armed confrontation between Israel, Hamas and other factions has killed eight Palestinians in the past 72 hours as a result of Israeli airstrikes on the Palestinian enclave. The Palestinians reacted by firing over 100 rockets and mortar shells toward Israeli territory, which injured four soldiers and damaged property. The Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades claimed responsibility for firing 96 rockets and nine mortar rounds against Israel.
In recent months, Hamas had observed a de facto truce with Israel, staying out of hostilities between other armed factions in Gaza, like Islamic Jihad, and the Israeli army. "Our confrontation with the enemy remained at a minimum level of fire and response. This is a message that the (Israeli)leaders should fully understand," warned the armed wing of Hamas in a statement.
