Special report: Israel launches Gaza assault

    GAZA, April 26 (Xinhua) -- The Islamic Jihad (Holy War)movement on Thursday denied reports of committing to ceasefire with Israel, vowing to continue resistance as long as Israel keepsup military operations in the Palestinian territories.

    "The reports that the factions have returned to the calmness are exaggerated. The Israeli threats don't frighten us and we told no one of our readiness to stop firing rockets," a Jihad leader Khaled al-Batsh told reporters in Gaza.

    The Palestinian factions have reportedly agreed to stop rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel following Egyptian efforts to save the Gaza Strip from an Israeli offensive.

    The Gaza-based Egyptian security team held separated meetings between the factions and Israeli officials to calm the situation after Hamas launched dozens of missiles into Israel earlier this week.

    "We can't limit the ceasefire to the rocket attacks. If the Israelis wanted calmness they must get it after releasing prisoners, stopping assassinations and raids and opening the crossings," al-Batsh said.