Accessibility links

Breaking News

Hamas Deploys Security to Enforce Ceasefire with Israel


The Gaza Strip's ruling Hamas movement is sending security forces to the border with Israel to ensure that Gazans comply with a ceasefire.

Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh issued the order Thursday to the group's security commanders. Officials say the deployment is to prevent further rocket fire from Gaza into Israel.

Hamas has largely respected an informal ceasefire with Israel since the country launched an offensive on Gaza two years ago.

The move comes one day after Palestinian militant leaders meeting in the Gaza Strip promised to stop firing rockets at Israel. The decision came after Egypt warned that any further attacks may prompt another war.

Hamas rulers had said earlier this month they would ensure militant Palestinian groups obeyed a consensus to stop the attacks, following weeks of rising tensions along the Israeli border.

Israeli forces launched an aerial strike on the Gaza Strip Tuesday, killing a militant from the Islamic Jihad group who was allegedly planning a terrorist attack on Israel.

Islamic Jihad says it is behind recent rocket attacks.

Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007 and rules the government after winning an election. It is considered a terrorist group by Israel, the U.S. and the European Union.

XS
SM
MD
LG