Palestinian factions did not made a final decision about the fate of June ceasefire that ends by Friday, but they unanimously ruled out renewing the Egyptian- brokered agreement with its current terms.
"We are not trotting towards the lull, taken in consideration that the occupation did not commit itself with its obligations since it took effect on June 19," said Abu Obaida, spokesman for Hamas' military wing.
The ceasefire agreement called on Israel to ease blockade on the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip in exchange for halting rocket- fire from Gaza into Israel.
Hamas says Israel kept restricting the flow of cargo into Gaza. Since early November, Israel also restored the tight sanctions on Gaza following a surge of violence.
Al-Qassam Brigades of Hamas "sees the lull, with its current shape, unsuitable for extension," according to Abu Obaida, who accused Egypt of failing to put pressure on Israel to force it respecting the deal.
Meanwhile, an Islamic Jihad leader said the ceasefire "served the Israeli occupation rather than the Palestinian people."
"I hope the factions' position regarding the ceasefire would be specific," said Naffez Azzam of Islamic Jihad, criticizing the " undetermined" stance of the factions.
For the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), " Friday will be the final end of the lull which already expired in its middle due to Israel which increased its attacks and tightened its siege on the Palestinian people," said Kayed al-Ghoul, a member of the PFLP politburo in Gaza.
(Xinhua News Agency December 17, 2008)
