Gaza ceasefire crumbles as rockets attract response

Israeli officials in Jerusalem have recalled their representatives from Cairo after three rockets were fired at Israel from Gaza, exploding in open areas near Be’er Sheva in southern Israel.

As Israeli warplanes struck back, hitting farms near Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip, both sides immediately began blaming each other, with Hamas calling the strikes a “breach of the truce”.

However IDF spokesman Lt. Col. Peter Lerner said: “Yet again terrorists breach the ceasefire and renew fire at Israeli civilians from Hamas ruled Gaza Strip. This continued aggression will be addressed accordingly.”

Hawkish Economy Minister Naftali Bennett added: “When you want beat a terror organisation, you defeat it. When you hold negotiations with a terror organization, you get more terror. Only a harsh response can stop the escalation.”

Hours before the talks broke down, Izzat Al-Rishq of Hamas accused Israel of purposely undermining the talks by making new demands that had not arisen at the start of negotiations.