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Crucial West Asia talks in Egypt

DUBAI: Tensions between the Palestinian group Hamas and Israel have risen ahead of crucial talks in Egypt which could cement the fragile ceasefire in Gaza.

A Hamas delegation from Gaza has already arrived in Cairo while group’s representatives in Syria are expected to join them later on Monday. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, whose presidential term ended on January 9, has cancelled his visit to Europe to ensure his presence in Egypt.

The Egyptian authorities are holding separate talks with Israel on the ceasefire.

Ahead of the negotiations, Hamas leader in exile Khaled Mashaal headed for Iran for talks with Iranian leaders.

In Tehran, he ruled out a “permanent ceasefire” with Israel so long as it remained an occupying power. “While the occupation continues, a permanent ceasefire has no meaning,” said Mr. Mashaal during a joint press conference with Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki.

The Hamas leader’s comments coincided with fresh rocket and mortar attacks from Gaza on Israel. On Sunday, four Palestinian rockets and 14 mortars landed in Israel’s western Negev region injuring three, including two soldiers.

Israel launched two retaliatory air strikes — one late night on Sunday and another on Monday — following the rocket attacks.

However, Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak ruled out a full-scale incursion into Gaza. Unlike Mr. Barak, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said after Sunday’s Cabinet meeting that there would be a “severe and disproportionate Israeli response” to Palestinian rocket fire.

Both Mr. Olmert and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, who belong to the Kadima party, have accused Mr. Barak, who is a Labour party leader, of responding inadequately to the rocket strikes. Analysts point out that the ruling coalition is under pressure to mount a harsher response to Hamas’ actions.

In Tehran, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei alerted Mr. Mashaal about the possibility of another war with Israel.

“The Islamic resistance has to be careful and prepared for any situation, even the possibility of a new war,” Ayatollah Khamenei was quoted as saying.

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