Hamas: Forceful Israeli tactics are futile

GAZA, March 10 (UPI) -- While denying confirmation of a truce with Israel, Hamas officials said they acknowledge Israel is willing to discuss reducing intrusions in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas officials said they hope Israel would extend a possible truce in the region to include borders and lessen the siege enforced in the Gaza Strip, Ynetnews reported Monday.

In response to reports of a potential truce between armed Palestinians and Israel in Gaza, Israel Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Israeli Defense Forces actions in the area would continue and that "important trials are still ahead."

It is reported that no official peace agreements have been made, but Palestinian sources said ceasefire understandings between Israel and armed Palestinian groups became active during the weekend.

"If Israel resumes its assaults we will resume rocket fire. The current situation is more a tactical decision by Hamas than an agreement with Israel," Hamas spokesman Iman Taha said.