Hamas 'not responsible' for recent rocket attacks, says Israel

Israel declared a unilateral ceasefire on Jan 18 after fighting a 22-day war in Gaza which claimed about 1,300 lives. The aim was to stop Palestinian guerrillas from bombarding southern Israel–but at least 40 rockets and mortar bombs have been fired since the operation ended, with two exploding yesterday morning. However, an Israeli security official acquitted Hamas of responsibility for the most recent attacks. "Our intelligence says it's not them," he said. Instead, other groups, notably Islamic Jihad, the Popular Resistance Committees and fighters linked to the supposedly moderate Fatah movement are thought to have launched these strikes. Israeli officials disagree over whether Hamas, which still controls Gaza's government, is capable of stopping the attacks. Another senior official said that at present, with its organisation shattered by Israel's offensive, Hamas was probably unable to prevent other groups from firing rockets. Egypt's government has been meeting Hamas leaders and Israeli officials to conclude a formal ceasefire agreement. A Hamas delegation left Cairo on Thursday with a draft deal. The key sticking point is over Gaza's border crossings, which Israel has closed to everything apart from essential aid supplies. Israel says this will not change unless Hamas frees Gilad Shalit, a soldier captured in 2006. If, however, Israel resumes its operation in Gaza, a senior official said that the options had narrowed. A full scale reoccupation of the territory may then take place, toppling the Hamas regime. Hamas know that losing Gaza would be a "disaster", said the official. This threat may force them towards concluding a ceasefire. Hamas has hinted that it might agree an 18-month truce.