As rockets and missiles continued to be fired from Gaza into southern Israel, there were reports on Monday evening that an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire was close. Similar reports on Saturday and Sunday night turned out to be false.
According to a report on the government-run Kol Yisrael radio, which cited the Al-Arabiya television network, the Gaza-based terror organizations have reached an agreement regarding a ceasefire. However, there were no further details nor was there a confirmation by other sources. Kol Yisrael quoted a spokesman for the Islamic Jihad who said that the organization did not agree to any ceasefire and that one cannot be discussed as long as Israeli airstrikes in Gaza continue.
Meanwhile, Egypt’s ambassador to the Palestinian Authority, Yasser Othman, said that he believes that a ceasefire in Gaza will be reached within 48 hours, despite Israel’s refusal to stop the attacks on terror bases in Gaza.
Kol Yisrael cited Othman’s interview with the Bethlehem-based Ma’an news agency, in which he said Egypt was determined to bring about calm in the region.
Earlier on Monday evening, the IDF eliminated two terrorists as they prepared to fire a rocket into Israel from Gaza.
The strike was the second in five hours targeting a rocket launching crew in Gaza as the tally of rockets fired at Israel’s southern towns tops 200.
Previously, IDF forces killed two terrorists seeking to launch a rocket from the vicinity of a school in northern Gaza. Pilots reported bystanders who passed near the terrorists during the strike were injured in the strike.
The IDF spokesperson’s office said the incident was proof positive terrorists are using civilians as “human shields.”
IDF Spokesman Brig.-Gen. Yoav Mordechai told Army Radio on Monday the IDF is ready for a major ground incursion into Gaza.
“The IDF is prepared for any development, including a situation where we are forced to launch a ground operation,” Mordechai said. “We have everything we need and are ready to step it up if needed. There are many measures that we haven’t employed yet.”
