Between 6:00am Sunday morning, when the ceasefire began, and 10:00am, six Kassam rockets were fired from northern Gaza. Israel exercised restraint, hoping that PA (Palestinian Authority) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) would 'deliver the goods' and bring a halt to rocket attacks into Sderot and western Negev areas.
Sderot Residents Remain Pessimistic
Residents of rocket-battered Sderot are less enthusiastic, stating they are certain that the attacks will resume in a week or two, rejecting statements of assurance from the national government. Sderot residents are still angry at the prime minister and his cabinet for taking a backseat approach to addressing the Kassam rocket fire, permitting the daily missile attacks without doing “what it takes” to halt the terrorist rocket fire. They are also afraid following the withdrawal of IDF troops from northern Gaza in compliance with the ceasefire agreement.
Olmert Expected to Announce a New Diplomatic Initiative
Analysts predict that when Prime Minister Ehud Olmert addresses the annual memorial for Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion in the Kibbutz S’dei Boker service on Monday, he will speak of his new diplomatic initiative, signaling an upcoming meeting with Abu Mazen.
Olmert needs to show some kind of policy advancement, a plan vis-?-vis the PA, especially following Israel’s failures in the north against Hizbullah.
Olmert released statements on Sunday that the ceasefire is only a “first step” that must lead to a comprehensive diplomatic process, also indicating it is a move towards the release of Corporal Gilad Shalit, who remains in Hamas custody since June 25th.
Mr. Olmert added that he is aware there will be ceasefire violations, stating we must have “patience” towards achieving the goal of a renewed diplomatic process with the PA.
PA Deploying Forces Along S. Israeli Border
PA officials report that 13,000 troops are being deployed along northern Gaza’s border with Israel to ensure Kassam rocket attacks from Beit Hanoun and other areas are entirely halted.
Rice Expected in a Showing of Solidarity for Ceasefire
Sources in Jerusalem have also signaled they expect US Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice to visit Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority) this week. Secretary Rice will be accompanying President George W. Bush to Jordan, where he will be attending a conference. While she was not planning to stop in Israel and the PA, the newly-implemented ceasefire they believe will prompt the move, with Rice interested in promoting a meeting between Olmert and Abu Mazen.
Meshal Backs Down from 3rd Intifada Threat
Hamas politburo leader Khaled Meshal, who is based in Damascus, released a statement retracting a threatened “third Intifada,” explaining with the ceasefire in effect, he expects the creation of a Palestinian state within six months. Failure to achieve the goal he added would compel Hamas to explore other options. It is Meshal who has vetoed all deals with Israel that would have led to the release of Shalit.
Peretz Promises Stern Responses to Violations
In the meantime, Defense Minister Amir Peretz, who is now aware he cannot continue in his post, issued statements on Sunday that any firing of Kassam rockets into southern pre-1967 Green Line Israel will be deemed a violation of the ceasefire and as such, treated harshly.
Sderot Residents Remain Pessimistic
Residents of rocket-battered Sderot are less enthusiastic, stating they are certain that the attacks will resume in a week or two, rejecting statements of assurance from the national government. Sderot residents are still angry at the prime minister and his cabinet for taking a backseat approach to addressing the Kassam rocket fire, permitting the daily missile attacks without doing “what it takes” to halt the terrorist rocket fire. They are also afraid following the withdrawal of IDF troops from northern Gaza in compliance with the ceasefire agreement.
Olmert Expected to Announce a New Diplomatic Initiative
Analysts predict that when Prime Minister Ehud Olmert addresses the annual memorial for Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion in the Kibbutz S’dei Boker service on Monday, he will speak of his new diplomatic initiative, signaling an upcoming meeting with Abu Mazen.
Olmert needs to show some kind of policy advancement, a plan vis-?-vis the PA, especially following Israel’s failures in the north against Hizbullah.
Olmert released statements on Sunday that the ceasefire is only a “first step” that must lead to a comprehensive diplomatic process, also indicating it is a move towards the release of Corporal Gilad Shalit, who remains in Hamas custody since June 25th.
Mr. Olmert added that he is aware there will be ceasefire violations, stating we must have “patience” towards achieving the goal of a renewed diplomatic process with the PA.
PA Deploying Forces Along S. Israeli Border
PA officials report that 13,000 troops are being deployed along northern Gaza’s border with Israel to ensure Kassam rocket attacks from Beit Hanoun and other areas are entirely halted.
Rice Expected in a Showing of Solidarity for Ceasefire
Sources in Jerusalem have also signaled they expect US Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice to visit Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority) this week. Secretary Rice will be accompanying President George W. Bush to Jordan, where he will be attending a conference. While she was not planning to stop in Israel and the PA, the newly-implemented ceasefire they believe will prompt the move, with Rice interested in promoting a meeting between Olmert and Abu Mazen.
Meshal Backs Down from 3rd Intifada Threat
Hamas politburo leader Khaled Meshal, who is based in Damascus, released a statement retracting a threatened “third Intifada,” explaining with the ceasefire in effect, he expects the creation of a Palestinian state within six months. Failure to achieve the goal he added would compel Hamas to explore other options. It is Meshal who has vetoed all deals with Israel that would have led to the release of Shalit.
Peretz Promises Stern Responses to Violations
In the meantime, Defense Minister Amir Peretz, who is now aware he cannot continue in his post, issued statements on Sunday that any firing of Kassam rockets into southern pre-1967 Green Line Israel will be deemed a violation of the ceasefire and as such, treated harshly.