'Hamas trying to stop Gaza groups from firing rockets'

As Kassam lands south of Ashkelon, 'Asharq Alawsat' reports that terror groups agree not to initiate escalation, refuse to commit to ceasefire.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
kassam fired 224 88 (photo credit: )
kassam fired 224 88
(photo credit: )
Hamas is trying to convince groups in Gaza to stop firing rockets at Israel, according to an Asharq Alawsat report cited by Israel Radio Tuesday morning.
The report was published as a rocket from the Strip landed south of Ashkelon, causing no casualties or damage.
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According to the report, Hamas also deployed operatives along the border with Israel in order to maintain control over the Strip.
Palestinian sources quoted by Asharq Alawsat said that representatives from the different Gaza groups refused to commit to a ceasefire with Israel or to prevent retaliation for Israeli actions. They did, however, agree not to initiate an escalation.
On Monday evening, three Kassam rockets were fired into Israeli territory and exploded in the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council. The rockets fell in an open area and did not cause any injuries or damage.
In related news, the 65-year-old Palestinian farmer who was reportedly killed by IDF fire in northern Gaza on Monday was shot by soldiers from an observation tower from near Beit Hanoun, reported Palestinian news sources.
According to reports, the farmer, Sha'aban Karmut, was critically wounded and taken to a hospital in Beit Lahiya where he later died of his wounds.