Hamas ready to restore ceasefire

The Hamas-led Palestinian government today said the Islamic group was prepared to restore a cease-fire with Israel, several days after calling off the truce to protest against a deadly explosion on a Gaza beach.

“This is very clear for us. We are interested to keep the situation and quit, especially in the Gaza Strip,” said government spokesman Ghazi Hamad in Gaza City. “We are ready to do it, but (only) if the Israeli side has a strong intention to respond positively to the call … to stop their aggression.”