BICOM

Israel’s Defence Minister has played down the chances of a long-term truce between Israel and Hamas, saying that any deal is dependent on the release of Hamas-held Israeli prisoners.

Following a military exercise in the Golan Heights on Tuesday, Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said: “I hear numerous remarks and stories about Israel’s agreement with Hamas and I repeat, we are indeed talking with the Egyptians, with the UN and with international players. As far as I am concerned, there is only one agreement and that is the reality on the ground, and if anyone wants some formal agreement, a defined condition is an arrangement on the [Israeli] captives.”

He added that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) are continuing to act unilaterally in accordance with the reality on the ground and “that’s probably how it will continue”.

Lieberman also said that there had been a “a dramatic drop in violent incidents, even when we take Monday’s shooting into account”. Lieberman was referring to an IDF patrol coming that was fired on near the Gaza border. He said the attack was committed by a single assailant who is not affiliated with any organisation. “It is impossible to prevent attacks committed by a single assailant,” he added.

Yesterday a Hamas assailant armed with a Kalashnikov and grenades attempted to infiltrate into Israel from  the northern Gaza Strip near Zikim Beach. The attempted attack took place at 7am and is believed to have been an attempt to carry out an attack against Israeli personnel constructing a naval barrier.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh addressed thousands of Palestinians during prayers for the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday on Tuesday. He said that an end to the Gaza blockade was “around the corner” and that if the Palestinian Authority (PA) lifts sanctions against Hamas, it will enter into a unity government and hold elections with the participation of all Palestinians.

The IDF will open an investigations into the deaths of two Palestinians killed during clashes with Israeli forces “in light of the suspicion that the shootings were not in accordance with the rules of engagement”. Military Advocate General Sharon Afek ordered inquiries to be opened into the shooting of 18-year-old Abdel Fattah Abdel Nabi on 30 March and of 15-year-old Othman Helles on 13 July.