Hamas: Rocket launchers will be arrested

GAZA CITY, Gaza, June 28 (UPI) -- Hamas leaders in Gaza said Saturday that anyone caught firing rockets into Israel will be arrested.

The pledge is the first from Hamas aimed at those who attack Israel, The Jerusalem Post reported. It suggests that the group's leaders want to preserve the ceasefire and to show it can maintain order in its Gaza stronghold.

Five militia men affiliated with Fatah were arrested Friday in northern Gaza, the Post said, citing sources. Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, Fatah's armed wing, had claimed responsibility for rocket firings during the week.

Mahmoud Zahar, a Hamas leader, said representatives of Fatah and Islamic Jihad had been called to a meeting and warned to maintain the ceasefire. He said the ceasefire agreement was based on "national consensus."

Zahar was asked if Hamas could be accused of collaboration with Israel.

"Whoever makes such an allegation does not understand anything and is himself a collaborator with Israel," he said.