Israel has suspended its offensive into the Gaza Strip following a lull in rocket attacks by Palestinian militants.

Israeli security officials said Sunday the operation, which included a series of airstrikes on weapons factories, storage facilities and launching areas, achieved its goal of weakening militants' ability to attack Israel from Gaza. But the officials say the military is ready to restart the operation if the rocket fire resumes.

The fighting erupted after an explosion at a Gaza rally by the Islamic group Hamas killed 21 people on September 23rd.

Hamas blames Israel for the blast, even though Palestinian officials say the explosion was caused by the mishandling of explosives. Hamas fired dozens of rockets into southern Israeli towns after the blast.