Israel Warns Gaza Truce Could Be Short-Lived

by Jarrett Martineau | June 18, 2008 at 03:36 pm | 115 views | 1 comment

In Israeli-Palestinian relations, the word peace always seems to be linked to fragility.

Despite my desire to be optimistic, I think it's doubtful that this truce will last.

See additional NowPublic coverage on this issue here.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert warned on Wednesday that Israel's imminent truce with Hamas in and around the Gaza Strip could be short-lived and said the military stood ready to act if it failed.

"We have no illusion but that this truce is fragile and could be short-lived. Hamas has not changed its skin," Olmert said at a conference in Bet Yehoshua north of Tel Aviv.

His warning came shortly before the truce was due to take effect at 0300 GMT on Thursday, after Egypt mediated for months between Israel and the Hamas to end the bloodshed in and around the impoverished Palestinian territory.

"If terror continues, Israel will have to work to remove the threat," Olmert said, stressing amid scepticism over the truce that the Israeli armed forces were ready to act if the ceasefire failed.