Leader of Hamas military wing rules out quick truce

The shadowy leader of the Hamas military wing said in an audiotape that his group will not cease fire until its demands are met.

Mohammed Deif’s remarks were broadcast late Tuesday on Al Aqsa TV, the satellite station of Hamas. Deif said “there is not going to be a ceasefire as long as the demands of our people are not fulfilled.”

Hamas has demanded that Israel and Egypt lift a border blockade they imposed on Gaza after Hamas seized the territory in 2007.

Deif’s voice was recognisable in the audio statement. He has survived repeated Israeli assassination attempts and has operated from hiding for years.

Al Aqsa also broadcast a videotape it said showed an infiltration by Hamas fighters into Israel on Monday through a border tunnel.