By Xinhua,
Jerusalem : Israel’s Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni Sunday called for more discussion among Israeli leaders about whether to continue the ceasefire with Palestinian militant groups in the Gaza Strip.
“The ceasefire agreement will end shortly, and is not being honoured by the Palestinian side. At the moment, we need renewed thought on whether we will act,” The Jerusalem Post quoted Livni as saying at the weekly cabinet meeting.
The Egyptian-brokered ceasefire that took effect on June 19 is on the verge of collapse following a wave of violence since Nov 4.
“There is no ceasefire in Gaza,” said the foreign minister, referring to a barrage of rockets and mortar shells fired at Israel by Gaza militants over the weekend.
In response, Defence Minister Ehud Barak said: “The situation in Gaza is known. The reality requires us to weigh opinions, responsibility and politics,” local daily Ha’aretz reported.
Voicing similar sentiments to Livni’s remarks, Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz told Israeli Radio Sunday morning that Israel must change its policy regarding Hamas.
Mofaz noted that he opposes a ground strike in Gaza, but said there are new strategies that can be implemented. However he declined to specify such strategies.