Speaking at a Wednesday session of the Security Cabinet, Public Security Minister Avi Dichter explained that Egypt’s actions grants legitimacy to Hamas. He spoke of the ongoing weapons supply train from Sinai to Gaza via the border crossing to Egypt, stating the Hamas-run reality in Gaza today is the same as a Hizbullah state.

The senior minister stated that since January 1, 2008, over 900 rockets have been fired from Hamas-controlled Gaza into southern Israel.

Other ministers spoke as well, including Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai, who documented food and other humanitarian aid was continuing to flow to Gaza, adding that despite the ongoing delivery of fuel to the Nachal Oz fuel depot, the PA is not picking the fuel up.

YWN reported on Tuesday that according to PA gas company officials, some 60,000 liters of fuel pumped by Israel was stolen from the fuel depot by Hamas.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert did mention the Egyptian initiative towards negotiating a truce in Gaza, but explained he did not see the point of broadening the discussion since Defense Minister Ehud Barak absented himself from the meeting.

Barak was in the north visiting Golani soldiers, where he stated that he feels Israel should respond with all her might to each attack from Gaza, adding however he is aware that restraint is demanded and we must use judgment to respond at the correct time.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)