Missile strike on Gaza terrorists
Missile strike on Gaza terroristsIsrael news photo: Flash 90

Hamas has offered a “ceasefire” if Israel will stop its retaliation for terror rocket and mortar attacks on its citizens in the western Negev.

“If the enemy stops the escalation and aggression against our people we will implement the Palestinian national agreement,” said the Izz a-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, in a statement issued shortly after an air strike by the Israel Air Force Monday night.

The “Palestinian national agreement” is a reference to the truce agreed upon by Gaza's primary terrorist groups in January.

Israel's Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon also warned Monday that Hamas leaders were in the crosshairs.

“If Hamas decides to escalate, we will put an end to it,” Ayalon said in a Hebrew-language interview broadcast on Voice of Israel government radio. “We have several actions [available to us] before putting ground forces in Gaza, including direct threats against Hamas leaders,” he warned.

The terrorist rulers of Gaza made the offer after Ayalon's threat, and after Israeli fighter pilots struck a terrorist tunnel and a cell of operatives. Direct hits were confirmed, according to the IDF Spokesperson's Office.

According to local witnesses quoted by AFP, at least one terrorist was wounded in the air strike.

Local sources claimed the target was a car repair shop owned by the Doghmush clan, which is connected to the Army of Islam terror group. The Army of Islam is linked to the international al-Qaeda terrorist organization.

This week alone, 56 mortars and missiles fired by Gaza terrorists have exploded in southern Israeli towns.

More than 130 attacks emanating from the Hamas-ruled region have struck southern Israel since the beginning of January.