United States officials are pressuring Israel to reach a ceasefire with Hamas before US President George Bush’s next visit to the region, according to the Jerusalem Post. Bush is expected to visit in another two weeks.
Hamas has proposed a six-month ceasefire during which the group would stop terrorist attacks in exchange for an end to IDF counterterrorism operations. Hamas and other terrorist groups would continue to import and manufacture weapons and train terrorists. Senior IDF officials have expressed opposition to the ceasefire proposal, saying it would allow Hamas to gain strength and would not help Israel.
Gaza terrorist groups continued to attack Israeli towns on Monday morning despite their calls for a ceasefire, firing three rockets before 8 a.m. No injuries were reported in the attacks.