Is Hamas Trying To Derail Peace Talks?

An Israeli policewoman surveys the damage caused by a rocket fired by Hamas militants in Gaza hitting a public building at Sapir Collage near the southern city of Sderot, Sunday. Israel returned fire throughout the weekend. Amir Cohen/Reuters

Hamas Attacks: A Bid To Scuttle Direct Talks? -- Christian Science Monitor

The mood is tense in Gaza after Israeli airstrikes in response to Palestinian rocket attacks injured scores and killed a top Hamas commander. Analysts say Hamas launched the attacks to scuttle direct peace talks.

Israel and forces loyal to the militant Hamas government that controls Gaza exchanged fire this weekend, with Palestinian rockets hitting southern Israel and Israel responding with multiple airstrikes across the territory.

On Friday, Palestinian rockets damaged a building in the Israeli city of Ashkelon. Israel retaliated with airstrikes against densely populated areas of Gaza City and Rafah, injuring scores and killing Hamas military commander Eissa al Batran.

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My Comment: The destruction of Israel has always been the rallying call for Hamas .... to renounce this goal will not happen .... not now nor anytime in the future. On the other side of the fence we have Israel, and they have never been sympathetic to Hamas. In fact, would not be surprised if many in the Israeli Government would like to have another go at Hamas in a new war .... a prospect (when looked at the overall tensions in the Middle East) that may happen sooner than later.