Hamas claims victory as Netanyahu agrees to ceasefire under U.S. pressure

Hamas claims victory as Netanyahu agrees to ceasefire under U.S. pressure

Special to WorldTribune.com JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to a ceasefire without approval of his Cabinet and amid warnings that Hamas would soon resume attacks. Officials acknowledged that the Egyptian-arranged ceasefire did not include demands by Netanyahu, particularly the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip. They said the agreement on Aug. 26 […]

Egypt closes 150 tunnels but Gaza smugglers still using 50

Egypt closes 150 tunnels but Gaza smugglers still using 50

Special to WorldTribune.com CAIRO — Egypt has again failed to halt the huge Palestinian smuggling tunnel network. Security sources said Egypt has determined that Palestinian smuggling continues despite the closure of some 150 tunnels. They said the Hamas regime in the Gaza Strip was deploying some 50 tunnels to transfer arms, fuel and construction material. […]

Iran presses Hamas for expanded IRGC presence in Gaza

Iran presses Hamas for expanded IRGC presence in Gaza

Special to WorldTribune.com LONDON — Iran has been pressing to expand its presence in the Gaza Strip. Arab diplomatic sources said the Iranian leadership was urging the Hamas government of Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh to allow additional military trainers into the Gaza Strip. The sources said Iran, particularly its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, wants to […]

Iran seeks expanded IRGC presence in Gaza Strip

Iran seeks expanded IRGC presence in Gaza Strip

Special to WorldTribune.com LONDON — Iran has been pressing to expand its presence in the Gaza Strip. Arab diplomatic sources said the Iranian leadership was urging the Hamas government of Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh to allow additional military trainers into the Gaza Strip. The sources said Iran, particularly its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, wants to […]

Hamas holds Shura council elections as leadership tensions build

Hamas holds Shura council elections as leadership tensions build

Special to WorldTribune.com GAZA CITY — Hamas has concluded the first phase of leadership elections. The elections were said to have taken place amid increasing tension between the Hamas regime in the Gaza Strip and political bureau chief Khaled Masha’al. Hamas sources said the Palestinian Islamic movement has completed elections in the Gaza Strip. They […]

Hamas split over brokered Palestinian unity deal

Hamas split over brokered Palestinian unity deal

Special to WorldTribune.com LONDON — Hamas’ military is said to have been divided over a reconciliation agreement with the rival Fatah movement. Hamas sources said an agreement brokered by Qatar and signed by political bureau chief Khaled Masha’al and Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas has fueled a dispute within the Islamic movement’s Izzedin Kassam military […]

Hamas opts for war, not peace, on Gaza policy

Hamas opts for war, not peace, on Gaza policy

Special to WorldTribune.com GAZA CITY — Hamas has rejected a proposal to halt its war against Israel. A Hamas leader said the Islamic movement has deemed unfeasible a proposal by the rival Fatah to end attacks from the Gaza Strip. Hamas leader Mahmoud Zahar said Fatah’s proposal for what was termed “peaceful resistance” could apply […]