Hamas, the Islamic group responsible for most suicide bombings over the past three years, has called off attacks inside Israel, and a full cease-fire could come in a matter of weeks, Israel’s military chief noted Friday.
In response, Israel will hold off targeting Hamas leaders but will still go after other Palestinian militants in retaliation for a suicide bombing Thursday, security sources said.
Maj. Gen. Moshe Yaalon said in the Yediot Ahronot newspaper Friday that a truce could be achieved soon and 2004 could be the quietest year since the Palestinian unrest was rekindled three years ago.
Hamas has taken responsibility for most of the more than 100 suicide bombings against Israelis in the fighting.
Thursday’s suicide bombing was claimed by two other groups, Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.
