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Israel, Hamas stop short of open confrontation

Atul Aneja

DUBAI: Israel and the newly elected Palestinian Government led by Hamas have stopped short of open confrontation after Tel Aviv decided not to take military action in response to Monday's suicide bombing. The Israeli Government held the Palestinian Authority, led by Hamas, responsible for the blast at a fast food restaurant in Tel Aviv.

The pro-Iran militant group, Islamic Jihad, claimed responsibility for the strike. In a video posted by the group, the 21-year old bomber proclaimed that the attack he was about to carry out was dedicated to the thousands of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. "There are many other bombers on the way," he said. The Hamas supported the strike on the grounds of "self-defence." The Israeli Cabinet that met in a special session agreed to step up security measures but refrain from a military strike.

These measures include revoking Jerusalem residency permits of several Hamas lawmakers. Earlier, Israeli security chiefs had proposed tightening travel restrictions, aimed at curbing movement of Palestinians within West Bank further. Besides, they had recommended sealing the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza. The Israeli military was also considering stepping up targeted assassinations of Islamic Jihad activists. Soon after the bombing, Israeli planes attacked an empty workshop in Gaza City early Tuesday. The strike did not cause any injuries.

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