Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyah declared a victory after Israel announced a unilateral ceasefire on motzei Shabbos, and is not thinning out its force in Gaza.

Hamas leaders in Gaza and Damascus on Sunday afternoon announced the terror organization will accept a ceasefire with Israel, but the ceasefire must comply with its demands, namely an end to the embargo on Gaza, the opening of all crossings, and the total withdrawal of all IDF forces within one week.

Acting in concert, the Hamas and Islamic Jihad leaders stated their demands are not open to discussion, further stating the issue of the release of captive IDF soldier Gilad Shalit is not on the table in connection to the ceasefire declaration.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)