Hamas say 'dig this' as Gaza heats up again

Flimsy cease-fire spiraling into new round of violence
Nov. 16, 2008

All of a sudden we are back to pre-cease-fire days in the South of Israel. Throughout the "cease-fire" Hamas continued to fire sporadic rockets from the Gaza Strip. But this last weekend, two dozen rockets pounded the Sderot area and Ashkelon. An 80-year-old woman was injured and several Israelis were treated for shock. Defense officials said at least two of the rockets were Grad missiles. Israel responded with an air strike that four Palestinians as they were trying to fire homemade rockets.

This latest round of violence between Israel and Hamas has left 15 Palestinians dead and the five-month-old truce on life support. The truce came into effect on June 19.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert placed the entirety of the blame on Hamas and hinted at retaliation from Israel: "We cannot tolerate the price that the terrorist organizations are trying to set for the prevailing situation there. It is our right to prevent further terrorism, threats and the breaking of the calm that is harming – first and foremost – the residents of the area."

Hamas has been using its time during the 'cease-fire' (or more accurately translated as 'calm') wisely though. Earlier this month, the Israeli army uncovered a tunnel on the border with Gaza meant for kidnapping soldiers. According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry:

The force successfully located a structure, under which a tunnel, designed to enable the immediate abduction of IDF soldiers, had been dug. During the operation, armed terrorists inside the structure opened fire at the IDF forces. The forces returned fire and identified positively hitting a number of them. Two IDF soldiers were moderately wounded and two were lightly injured.

"The rules regarding Gaza are clear: If there is calm and the time is not utilized to prepare the next attack - there will be calm in return," said Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni. "But if Israeli citizens are attacked - Israel will respond forcefully in order to protect them. Israel is not interested in deterioration, but we won't put up with recurring violations of the calm. The other side must understand that there are times when Israel must say 'enough is enough'."