Early Gaza Cease-Fire Broke Down Over Misunderstanding Between U.S. and Israel

Image by Getty Images

By JTA September 9, 2014

A cease-fire between Israel and Hamas during Israel’s Gaza operation reportedly broke down over a misunderstanding between Israel and the United States.

Hamas political leader Khaled Meshal did not agree to refrain from attacking Israeli troops on the ground during the 72-hour cease fire that started Aug. 1, though the United States promised Israel that Hamas would refrain, according to an Israel Army Radio report citing an unnamed Israeli source.

Israel had asked the U.S. for a cease-fire and the ability to continue destroying Gaza tunnels without intervention by Hamas, according to the report.

The cease-fire ended when Hamas terrorists attacked Israeli soldiers near the mouth of a tunnel in Rafah. During the attack, the Hamas terrorists kidnapped the body of Lt. Hadar Goldin.

Israel’s Gaza operation ended on Aug. 26 after 50 days of fighting.

A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

— Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO