PA Minister for Negotiations Saeb Erekat called for an international investigation into the "massacre" perpetrated by the IDF in the northern Gaza Strip. In an interview with the PA's Voice of Palestine radio station, Erekat urged the Quartet to launch an investigation into the IDF operation and to dispatch international monitors to the Gaza Strip. Erekat claimed that the operation was an excuse for Israel to reoccupy the Gaza Strip.
"Mahmoud! Are they gone yet?"
"Yes, effendi! They are gone!"
"You're sure?"
"Yes, effendi!"
"Okay, then..." |
Hamas reacted to the redeployment by announcing that the IDF had been defeated and that it would continue to launch rocket attacks on Israel. The movement said 50 of its men were killed during the operation. "The Israeli army is withdrawing after being defeated and disgraced," said a statement issued by the Izzadin Kassam, the armed wing of Hamas. "The brutal and most violent campaign has completely failed and did not achieve its goals. The Palestinian resistance fighters were able to teach the enemy harsh lessons in resistance and sacrifice." |