Hamas threatened to continue attacking Israel if Gaza crossings are not re-opened on Thursday. Defense Minister Ehud Barak has kept the crossings closed as a retaliatory measure against the escalation in mortar shelling and Kassam and Grad rockets. The western Negev was rocked with 84 attacks on Wednesday.
Hamas also denied that it is in contact with Egypt concerning a resumption of the June 19 ceasefire agreement. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni is to meet in Cairo Thursday to discuss the possibility of renewing the truce. Israeli analysts estimate that quiet will return to the Negev on Thursday during her visit to Egypt.