Hamas, the Islamic group responsible for most suicide bombings during three years of violence, has called off attacks inside Israel, and a full ceasefire could come in a matter of weeks, Israel’s military chief said in comments published Friday.
In response, Israel will hold off targeting Hamas leaders but will still go after other Palestinian militants in retaliation for a suicide bombing this week, security sources said. Since the start of fighting in September 2000, Israel has routinely hunted down and killed militant leaders — often in a manner similar to a helicopter airstrike in the Gaza Strip on Thursday. Three militants and two civilians were killed in the Israeli attack, which came moments before a Palestinian suicide bombing near Tel Aviv that killed four Israelis. The suicide bombing did not appear to be coordinated as retaliation for the airstrike. Full Story
