In an exchange for Israel to cease all attacks in occupied Gaza and the West Bank, Palestinian militant groups have offered to stop firing rockets into Israeli territory. Islamic Jihad leader Khader Habib said the main Palestinian factions, including Hamas, Fatah, and other smaller groups have reached the understanding while meeting Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh. Habib went on to say, “For the good of the national Palestinian interest … there is a position supporting calm (a ceasefire) by stopping rocket fire in return for an end to the aggression against our people in Gaza and the West Bank.”

The deal would have taken affect when Israel ended their military actions in the occupied lands. Israel said the Palestinian offer was not serious because it only covered rocket fire and did not include direct forms of attack such as suicide bombings. However, it is the first time that all Palestinian factions and militant groups have been able to agree on a common proposal.

Before the proposal was rejected, Jihad leader Khader Habib said, “If the Israelis agree then the deal will be ratified by all parties. The implementation of the agreement will be pending on whether we will see an end to the aggression on the ground.” Unfortunately, Israel continues its five month-old offensive into occupied Gaza which has killed nearly 400 Palestinians, about half of which were civilians. In comparison, only one Israeli has died from Palestinian rocket fire.

Israel�s summer war with Hezbollah has allowed the state to sway even further to the far-right. After the American midterm elections, Israel�s Prime Minister openly praised George W. Bush for starting the Iraq War, claiming it brought �stability� to the region. In regards to Palestine, Israel�s Deputy Prime Minister Avigdor Lieberman has said that all peace deals must be abandoned and that all Palestinian leaders must “go to paradise”. Lieberman insists that there can be no compromise, and enjoys a frighteningly large amount of support.

Referring to the rejected truce, An Israeli official insisted the Palestinians lay down their weapons first before any agreement could be reached. Miri Eisin, the government spokeswoman, said on Friday: “Israel has always aspired to an end to violence, and we count on a change of attitude from the Palestinians and primarily Hamas in order to give development a priority in the Gaza Strip instead of continued attacks.”

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