Hamas calls off suicide attacks against Israel
The Islamic militant group Hamas today suspended suicide bombings and mortar attacks on Israelis, boosting chances for the truce to take hold and end 15 months of fighting.
Hamas said the move was to preserve Palestinian unity, and is seen as a victory for Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, who has been under intense US and European pressure to stop attacks on Israel.
However, Hamas only referred to attacks in Israel, not the West Bank and Gaza Strip, leaving open the possibility of further violence.
The announcement came after two days of clashes between Palestinian police - trying to enforce a ceasefire - and supporters of Hamas and the smaller Islamic Jihad group. A 17-year-old Palestinian was killed in the fighting and 39 policemen and civilians were injured.
Israel’s reaction was guarded. In the past 15 months of fighting, scores of Israelis have been killed in Islamic militant attacks, including 36 this month.
‘‘What’s positive? That they stop terror activities in one place, but keep murdering women and children somewhere else?’’ said Raanan Gissin, an adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.
‘‘As long as the terror activities continue we will implement our right of self-defence, and we will act against them with all our might.’’
It was not clear whether Islamic Jihad would also suspend attacks.
In the Jebaliya refugee camp near Gaza City, thousands of mourners today joined the funeral procession of the 17-year-old Islamic Jihad supporter killed in a gun battle with Palestinian police.
‘‘Resistance will continue despite the sacrifices,’’ the crowd chanted as dozens of gunmen fired in the air. Later, bystanders were scattered by shooting between the gunmen and Palestinian police
