JERUSALEM, Oct. 2 (Xinhuanet) -- Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz gave a detailed account of last week's Gaza offensive onSunday, saying the offensive "has not yet been completed," the Ha'aretz reported on its website.

    The Israeli army has not renewed air strikes on the Gaza Strip since Thursday, after relative calmness finally settled in the region. Palestinian groups say they are committed to stopping firing at western Negev towns of Israel.

    However, Israeli military sources said operation "First Rain,"which began last Saturday after Hamas bombarded the Negev town of Sderot with Qassam rockets, is not finished. According to the sources, attacks on the strip will resume as needed, while arrest operations continue in the West Bank.

    Israeli media reported earlier that the operation was over, orhad been significantly scaled down.

    Mofaz said that dictates of Israel's recent offensive in theGaza Strip are striking a chord among Palestinians, but have not yet brought about a complete shift in policy among terror groups.

    He said the army's activity, particularly arrests of more than 200 Hamas gunmen in the West Bank last week, restrict Hamas leaders from planning moves against Israel.

    Among those arrested are Hamas election campaign managers for local elections that took place last week in the West Bank.

    Israeli planes and artillery began the offensive on the strip following cross-border rocket attacks more than a week ago. Four Gaza militants were killed.

    Israeli forces also raided the West Bank to arrest hundreds of suspected militants, killing five gunmen and a teenager.

    Abbas, who is under US pressure to bring militants under control, began deploying forces late last week to stop fighters from carrying weapons on Gaza streets and to prevent attacks on Israel.

    Hamas said it did not trust Israel to end "aggressive practices" on the ground.

    But Hamas has reaffirmed its commitment to a February truce that smoothed Israel's withdrawal from the stip. A new opinion poll showed that 62 percent of Palestinians opposed launching attacks from Gaza. Enditem