Hamas 'playing games' with truce, Israeli official says

JERUSALEM (AP) -- An Israeli official says a Hamas proposal for a truce in the Gaza Strip is "not serious" and would only allow the hardline Islamic group to prepare for a new round of fighting.

Israeli government spokesman David Baker says the group is "playing games, trying to buy time in order to regroup and rearm."

Hamas officials said this week that the group is prepared to accept a cease-fire in Gaza.

The announcement from Hamas was a concession, because the group was previously demanding a cease-fire that would include the West Bank as well.

In Friday's statement, Baker said Israel will "continue to take all measures to defend its citizens." E-mail to a friend

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

All About Israel • Hamas • West Bank and Gaza Strip