Hamas official threatens ‘escalation’ in violence with Israel

A senior Hamas source says the Gaza-ruling terror group is weighing a renewal of violence against Israel, while lashing out at Egypt over its role as mediator between the sides.

“We are considering options for an escalation with Israel in light of the continued siege of Gaza and the delay in rehabilitating the Strip,” the unnamed source tells Al Jazeera. “We will not allow the current situation to continue and the next phase will prove the credibility of our words.”

The source also warns Israel against “attacks” on Palestinian security prisoners and the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City, which houses the Al-Aqsa Mosque, saying they “will again blow up the situation.” The fighting in Gaza earlier this year began after Hamas fired rockets at Jerusalem amid tensions over the holy city.

Foreign Minister Yair Lapid is slated to visit Cairo tomorrow.