Militant Islamic movement Hamas said an Israeli raid that killed four of its members today had opened the door to a ‘fierce war’ with Israel.
"This massacre will open the door widely for a fierce war that will reach Zionist gangs everywhere, using all methods," Hamas said in a statement.
Hamas had said it was freezing suicide attacks in Israel after Palestinian President Mr Yasser Arafat appealed for a ceasefire on December 16th after Islamic suicide bombings.
But it did not rule out attacks in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The Hamas statement made clear the movement considered that decision was no longer binding.
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Hamas had committed an attack on January 9th that killed four soldiers just inside Israel.