Hamas ready to intensify attacks on Israel

Peroshni Goverder
Hamas' exiled political leader, Khaled Mashal, says the Islamic movement is open to a truce with Israel. However, it says if offers are rejected Hamas is prepared to escalate violence against Israel.

Hamas is calling for a six-month truce with Israel which will start in Gaza and then extend to the West Bank. Israel has been reluctant to accept the proposal.

Israeli officials have rejected Hamas' offer for a truce -- in exchange for the end to almost daily incursions into Gaza and the re-opening of the Rafah crossings. It says that Hamas must first ensure that all militant groups in the coastal enclave will stop attacks on Israel.

Hamas and other militant movements will meet in Cairo later this week and Israeli officials say the outcome of the talks will determine its position. Israel is hesitant to enter into a truce with Hamas -- it fears Hamas will use the ceasefire to rearm.