This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/6184882.stm

The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 5 Version 6
Rocket fire threatens Gaza truce Rocket fire threatens Gaza truce
(40 minutes later)
Palestinian militants have fired rockets into Israel, hours after an unexpected ceasefire was called between the two sides.Palestinian militants have fired rockets into Israel, hours after an unexpected ceasefire was called between the two sides.
At least three rockets hit Israel, one of which landed in the town of Sderot, without causing injury or damage.At least three rockets hit Israel, one of which landed in the town of Sderot, without causing injury or damage.
Hamas' military wing and Islamic Jihad said they were responsible.Hamas' military wing and Islamic Jihad said they were responsible.
The ceasefire came into effect at 0600 (0400 GMT) after the Palestinian Authority said groups would end attacks and Israel agreed to halt hostilities.The ceasefire came into effect at 0600 (0400 GMT) after the Palestinian Authority said groups would end attacks and Israel agreed to halt hostilities.
The United States welcomed the ceasefire, calling it a "positive step forward".The United States welcomed the ceasefire, calling it a "positive step forward".
Deep mistrust Israeli warning
Hamas' armed wing said it launched the rockets because some Israeli troops were still in Gaza, despite the Israelis saying they had pulled out all their troops overnight. Hamas' armed wing said it launched the rockets because some Israeli troops were still in Gaza, east of the town of Jabaliya, despite the Israelis saying they had pulled out all their troops overnight.
A statement from Islamic Jihad said it would not agree to a ceasefire while Israeli military activity continued in the occupied West Bank.A statement from Islamic Jihad said it would not agree to a ceasefire while Israeli military activity continued in the occupied West Bank.
But a spokesman for the Hamas-led Palestinian government, Ghazi Hamad, condemned the rocket fire, saying all groups were bound by the truce. The BBC's Alan Johnston in Gaza says this seems to suggest a split in Islamic Jihad's ranks.
"Everyone is included in this agreement which is signed by everyone, including by Islamic Jihad and it is necessary to make all efforts to respect it," Mr Hamad was quoted by AFP news agency as saying. Very senior figures in the movement have signed on to the truce agreement, which explicitly relates only to the situation here in Gaza, he says.
The BBC's Alan Johnston in Gaza says it seems Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas phoned Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Saturday evening to say he had agreement from all Palestinian factions that they would stop their rocket fire. The deal did not require a halt to hostilities in the West Bank as well, our correspondent adds.
He says many people, both in Gaza and in Israel, would have been hoping that the sudden agreement on the need for calm would last. A spokesman for the Hamas-led Palestinian government, Ghazi Hamad, condemned the rocket fire, saying all groups were bound by the truce.
But, he says, observers on both sides will be braced for disappointment. There is very, very little trust between the opposing forces and all the underlying tensions remain unresolved, our correspondent adds. Israel's Defence Minister Amir Peretz warned that Israel would resume its military operations in Gaza if the rocket fire did not stop.
Miri Eisin, a spokeswoman for Mr Olmert, told the BBC the prime minister had agreed that Israeli forces would not initiate any offensive action after the ceasefire began. "If [Palestinian President] Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian factions who signed onto the ceasefire are not able to enforce it, Israel regards that as a violation of the ceasefire and will act to defend Israel civilians," Mr Peretz said in a statement.
Mr Abbas telephoned Mr Olmert on Saturday night to say he had agreement from all Palestinian factions that they would stop their rocket fire.
Mr Olmert's spokeswoman Miri Eisin told the BBC that the prime minister had agreed that Israeli forces would not initiate any offensive action after the ceasefire began.
Shortly after the truce came into effect, the Israeli army confirmed that all its troops had left Gaza.Shortly after the truce came into effect, the Israeli army confirmed that all its troops had left Gaza.
Ground offensivesGround offensives
Hours before the ceasefire, at least one Hamas activist was killed in an Israel air strike on Gaza.Hours before the ceasefire, at least one Hamas activist was killed in an Israel air strike on Gaza.
Mr Olmert has struggled for months to end rocket fireTwo cars were targeted, and four men were reported injured.Mr Olmert has struggled for months to end rocket fireTwo cars were targeted, and four men were reported injured.
Hamas said that three other activists were killed in clashes with Israeli troops elsewhere in Gaza.Hamas said that three other activists were killed in clashes with Israeli troops elsewhere in Gaza.
Israel evacuated its settlements and military bases in Gaza last year after 38 years in the territory, but the military renewed ground operations after militants captured an Israeli soldier, Cpl Gilad Shalit, in a border raid in June.Israel evacuated its settlements and military bases in Gaza last year after 38 years in the territory, but the military renewed ground operations after militants captured an Israeli soldier, Cpl Gilad Shalit, in a border raid in June.
Palestinian militant groups have been firing Qassam rockets into Israel on a daily basis. They have killed two Israeli civilians in the past 10 days.Palestinian militant groups have been firing Qassam rockets into Israel on a daily basis. They have killed two Israeli civilians in the past 10 days.
Israel has launched frequent ground offensives into Gaza Strip to try to stop the militants who launch the rockets.Israel has launched frequent ground offensives into Gaza Strip to try to stop the militants who launch the rockets.
It has also shelled targets in Gaza heavily.It has also shelled targets in Gaza heavily.
Since June, Israeli troops have killed more than 400 Palestinians in Gaza, roughly half of them civilians.Since June, Israeli troops have killed more than 400 Palestinians in Gaza, roughly half of them civilians.
Three Israeli soldiers have died in operations. Cpl Shalit has not been found, and his fate is unknown.Three Israeli soldiers have died in operations. Cpl Shalit has not been found, and his fate is unknown.