BICOM

Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) is preparing a significant terrorist attack to prevent a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, according to Israeli security officials.

PIJ leaders in Gaza have issued instructions to its personnel to begin preparations for an attack, according to Israeli intelligence reports. It is believed the attack could involve an infiltration into Israel, sniper fire or a missile strike. The Israeli officials said they made the announcement to send PIJ a message that its intentions were known and that the price that it would pay would be high.

Last night PIJ said: “There is no truth to these reports. From time to time Israel tries to create confusion in the Palestinian arena, but these attempts will fail.”

The Egyptian delegation mediating a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas left the Gaza Strip yesterday. A Qatari delegation is scheduled to arrive in Gaza today to oversee the transfer of Qatari funds to Hamas. Israel is reportedly expanding the fishing zone around Gaza from 12 nautical miles to 15, the furthest it has extended for more than ten years.

Palestinian media are also reporting that a prisoner swap is being negotiated between Israel and Hamas. Hamas holds the bodies of two Israeli soldiers, Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul, who participated in Operation Protective Edge in 2014, as well as Abera Mengistu, Hishan al-Sayed, and Jumaa Ibrahim Abu-Ghanima, Israeli citizens who entered Gaza on their own accord but are thought to suffer from mental health issues.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned the Lebanese Government that Hezbollah and Iran have set up a new covert factory to build precision missiles in Lebanon. A report by Barak Ravid on Channel 13 News says Pompeo met with Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri during his recent visit to Beirut and warned him that the existence of the new covert missile facility could risk war with Israel and have consequences for Lebanese security. Pompeo reportedly based his warning on intelligence he received from Israel.