Israeli 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 honored by the Palestinian side. At the moment, we need renewed thought on whether we will act," Livni was quoted by local daily The Jerusalem Post as saying at the weekly cabinet meeting.
The Egyptian-brokered ceasefire, which took effect on June 19, was left near collapse since a wave of violence erupted on Nov. 4.Both sides had generally honored the truce before the recent flare-up, and Israeli officials have voiced willingness to extend the ceasefire after its initial six-month phase.
"There is no ceasefire in Gaza," said the foreign minister, referring to a barrage of more than 20 Qassam rockets and mortar shells fired at Israel by Gaza militants over the weekend.
In response, Barak said that "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, 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, but he declined to specify such strategies.
Source:Xinhua
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