[Ha'aretz] Hamas announced Thursday that the six-month cease-fire with Israel in Gaza was officially over. On Thursday Palestinians fired nine Kassam rockets and seven mortar shells at Israel. Close to 50 rockets have been fired over the past three days. Following the Hamas announcement, the U.S. State Department issued a statement saying that the cease-fire should be "respected and extended." "The U.S. condemns recent rocket attacks on Israel. Violence will not advance, but retard, the hope for peace between Israelis and Palestinians." "Hamas can be a part of the peace process by accepting the principles outlined by the Quartet: renunciation of violence and terror, recognition of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements between the parties."
2008-12-19 06:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive