Palestinians in Gaza have yet to recover from the wounds of the recent Israeli war, especially those whose houses were demolished. Tens of thousands of people are still in evacuation centers, unable to restore their houses. There has been no improvement at the border checkpoints, which remain fully intact, and no reconstruction operations have kicked off. The Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip do not feel that the terms of the cease-fire agreement have been implemented.

Frustrated under the deteriorating conditions in Gaza, senior Hamas leaders have made several statements threatening to escalate matters.

The most remarkable threat was made by senior Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Zahar in a press interview on Oct. 27, when he alluded to possibly renewing the fighting if Israel fails to respond to Palestinian demands. Zahar said Israel is to be held accountable for any defect in the current security situation.

The deputy chairman of Hamas’ political bureau, Mousa Abu Marzouk, explained in a Sept. 21 interview that the movement does not want another war with Israel. He added that fighting would be inevitable unless Gaza's border crossings with Egypt and Israel are opened, knowing that there is no desire to return to war.