From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Hamas armed wing releases list of demands
The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Hamas organization, releases a list of conditions for “a return to quiet” in the south.
According to Israel Radio reporter Gal Berger, the militia demands that Israel end hostilities in Gaza, the West Bank and Jerusalem, stop attacking Gaza from the air and flying in its airspace, recommit to the terms of the ceasefire agreement that was made after Operation Pillar of Defense in 2012, release the prisoners who were freed under the Shalit deal and re-arrested in recent weeks, and “stop thwarting Palestinian reconciliation” efforts.
“The enemy must not even dream of quiet and stability as long as it does not agree to these terms,” Berger quotes Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Ubeida as saying in a statement recorded at his hiding place.
Abu Ubeida warns that if Israel continues to attack residential buildings in Gaza, Hamas will launch rockets to greater distances.
“The enemy will pay a heavy price for its foolish decision to launch a new attack,” Abu Ubeida is quoted as saying.
