BEIT LAHIYA, Gaza Strip The ruling Hamas group fired a barrage of homemade rockets at Israel on Saturday, hours after calling off a truce with Israel in anger over an artillery attack that killed seven civilians in Gaza. The Hamas militants' announcement to call off the cease-fire, reached in February 2005, raised the prospect of a renewed campaign of deadly suicide bombings and a wave of bloodshed.
Despite Israel's attacks and Hamas pressure on President Mahmoud Abbas to hold off on a planned referendum on establishing a Palestinian state alongside Israel, the Palestinian leader was expected to announce later Saturday a decree to hold the vote on July 31.
In the hours before the announcement, new violence erupted between gunmen loyal to Abbas and Hamas' militia.
CountryWatch: Israel
Hamas also claimed responsibility Saturday for firing at Israel at least 15 rockets, as well as a barrage of mortar bombs. The attacks caused no casualties.
"The earthquake in the Zionist towns will start again and the aggressors will have no choice but to prepare their coffins or their luggage," the Hamas militants said in a leaflet. "The resistance groups ... will choose the proper place and time for the tough, strong and unique response."
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