Peace accord? The tanks are ready to roll

Israel is set to launch an offensive in the Gaza strip, despite recent talks, reports philip jacobson

With the ink hardly dry on the initial peace accords signed by Israeli and Palestinian leaders in Annapolis, a fresh round of fighting could soon erupt in the war-torn Gaza Strip. As four members of Hamas were reported killed in Southern Gaza by two Israeli strikes this morning, Israeli defence sources confirmed to The First Post that plans have been drawn up for a full-scale military offensive against the Hamas forces who now control the area.

The tanks were ready to roll earlier this month but the operation was put on hold because it might jeopardise the then imminent talks.

In private, defence officials argue that since the Islamic militants must be driven out of Gaza for any future peace negiotiations to succeed, an Israeli assault would actually strengthen the position of the beleagured Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas.