Hamas: Israeli threats to Gaza reflect internal crisis

Amine Maqboul Hamas political bureau member, Dr. Mahmoud al-Zahar, described the latest Israeli threats to launch a new attack against the Gaza Strip as \"a reflection on the Zionist state\'s internal crisis which threatens its existence\" , while the Islamic Jihad Movement has stressed that \"the recent Israeli assaults on the Strip, are paving the way towards a deeper aggression\".
Al-Zahar said in a press conference on Monday \"Israel feels the political changes in the region are not in its favour, taking into account that its relationship with the United States government has never been worse, so we believe their threats to attack Gaza are purely to reduce the settlers\' fears about the recent developments, but if any aggression happens we will react.\"
In the same context, the Islamic Jihad Movement\'s spokesperson, Dawoud Chehab, said on Monday: \"Israel has never shown respect for any of its commitments -- the latest cease fire truce reached in March, and ceasing murder operations against figures in the resistance movements. This has not happened.\"
\"It is clear they have intentions to launch an aggression against the Strip, but if that happens, they will be responsible for the consequences. We know the expected aggression is intended to mask their internal crisis, but we will never allow Gaza to become an experimental ground  in which to practice  their new arms, nor to be a gateway for them to escape their internal crises. Our position is clear, as we are committed to the ceasefire, but we will use our right to react if any aggression takes place\", Said Chehab.
Palestinian political observer, Akram Atallah, told Arabstoday \"The occupation\'s frequent threats are intended to provoke the resistance to react, so Israel can then justify its anticipated aggression.\" Atallah linked the Israeli plans to \"the regression in Israel\'s regional power position, as they are expecting trouble from several fronts:  Gaza, Sinai, South Lebanon, and even Syria may be involved, so Israel is threatened from certain fronts that in the past have been quiet. All of this, makes them feel the need for a showy fight, that can boost their confidence\", said Atallah.
Atallah added \"I think the reaction may be different this time if Israel is to attack Gaza, especially after the recent changes in Egypt, which showed a clear solidarity with Gaza, both popularly and officially.\"
Media professor, Nashaat al-Aqtash, commenting on the same issue said:  \"Israeli governments have always tended to keep their external fronts hot, in order to maintain the stability of the interior front. Now they are targetting Gaza as they think it is the weakest front among their regional enemies, especially as Gaza has scant gains support from Arab countries\".
Al-Aqtash stressed that the resistance groups in Gaza  shouldn\'t be accountable for any attacks emanated from Sinai, as Israel must bear the responsibility of protecting its borders.