Haniyeh calls for rocket attacks against Israel to stop

Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh has reportedly asked Islamic Jihad and the Popular Resistance Committee to cease Qassam rocket attacks against Israel. According to "reliable sources" within Hamas, quoted by Yedioth Ahronoth, Haniyeh's request stems from concerns that continued rocket fire could provoke an Israeli ground invasion of the Gaza Strip. He also noted that Israeli artillery strikes targeting rocket launch sites are detrimental to Palestinian interests. While Haniyeh has previously condemned Qassam attacks, the Hamas government has not taken action to stop them, with a spokesman previously stating, "Qassam attacks are a natural response to Israeli aggression." The article highlights the potential for a massive Israeli response if rockets hit the Ashkelon power station, a scenario Palestinians have been warned about.