The Hebrew newspaper "Haaretz" reported on Monday that the Israeli occupation army does not feel an urgent need to resume fighting in the Gaza Strip, and that it supports extending the truce in exchange for the release of more Israeli detainees.

The newspaper pointed out that the Hamas movement succeeded in showing that it had not been defeated in the northern Gaza Strip, even if its control there had been damaged.

The newspaper reported that the fourth and final installment within the framework of the deal is expected to be implemented today. However, the truce is likely to continue for at least a few more days.

The newspaper's military analyst, Amos Harel, believes that Hamas is very interested in prolonging the truce, and that it has informed Qatar that it will try to find more Israelis of the same category stipulated in the deal.

The writer also referred to reports that stated, yesterday, Sunday, that “Hamas” is interested in two more days and even four days of ceasefire, beyond what was agreed upon in the first phase, and this depends on the release of more detainees.

The writer added that, contrary to what appears in some Israeli statements, there is no pressing feeling in the army that there must be an immediate return to war with the end of the truce, adding that the summary reached in the government speaks of a maximum period of time of up to another week before the fighting resumes, in If it is possible during this period to return more detainees.

The other thing that the writer pointed out is that although not resuming the fighting entails some risks, including Hamas reorganizing its ranks and making changes in the army’s readiness, the army also needs a period of time in order to revive its forces and prepare it for the next step.

The writer believes that Hamas is exploiting the days of the ceasefire in order to display its strength in the northern part of the Gaza Strip as well, pointing out that such matters are important for the Hamas leadership, to show that the movement has not been defeated in the northern Gaza Strip, and that it can send its members there immediately despite the presence of Israeli army forces near the place.

Source: Alaraby Aljadeed