Hamas arrests terrorists that fired mortar from Gaza

Hamas have arrested militants that have attempted to breach the ceasefire with Israel, writes Jack Mendel

In a desperate attempt to protect the flimsy ceasefire that exists in the wake of operation protective edge, the governing body of the Gaza strip had to act swiftly.

A source in defence according to Israel Radio (Jpost), claimed that Hamas told mediators that it ‘apprehended those responsible for the mortar’, because it has an interest in preserving the ceasefire.

A spokesperson for Hamas outlined denial of any knowledge of the attack on Tuesday.

Sami Abu Zuhri said: “There is no sign a mortar bomb was fired from Gaza and Palestinian factions are committed to keep the agreement for calm, and eager to maintain it.”

The mortar attack is the first such attack from the Gaza strip into Israel since August 26th 2014.

Confirmed: For the first time since op Protective Edge a mortar shell fired from #Gaza hit southern #Israel. No damage or injuries reported.

— Peter Lerner (@LTCPeterLerner) September 16, 2014

In response, Israel’s Justice Minister, Tzipi Livni stressed that “This is a test of Israel’s deterrent force”

“The lack of an adequate response will reintroduce the routine of alarms to the citizens of Israel.”

Israel made it clear that it would reserve the right to respond to any future rocket attacks on its citizens, which would drag Hamas into another military conflict with the Jewish State.

Hamas are recognised as a Terrorist organisation by the United Kingdom and United States Governments, in addition to European Union.

However, it claims the legitimacy to be the authority in Gaza, after winning an election in June 2007 and driving out rival factions.