MOSCOW, August 1 (RIA Novosti) - Hostilities resumed in the Gaza Strip hours after the ceasefire that was supposed to last three days was announced, with Israel and Hamas placing the blame on each other for the disruption of the truce, local media reported Friday.
“It took Hamas two hours and four minutes to break the ceasefire, agreed upon by both sides,” the Israeli Defense Ministry said.
Islamic Jihad movement’s Al-Quds Radio reported the militants’ attacks on Israeli troops.
News agency Safa said that at least five Palestinians had been killed as a result of the Israeli attacks near the cities of Rafah and Khan Yunis. Witnesses said the Kerem Shalom border crossing near Rafah was under mortar attack. Explosions and shooting could be heard to the east of Gaza.
Mousa Abu Marzook, one of Hamas’ leaders, placed the blame on Israel, saying that they were not to open fire unless the opposing side did, according to local media.
The ceasefire began at 8:00 a.m. (05:00 GMT) and was supposed to extend for three days, with subsequent negotiations over a long-term settlement of disputes to be held in Cairo.
Palestinian Ma’an News Agency said the Egyptian government refused to meet the warring parties in light of the ceasefire breach.
