Islamic Jihad, PFLP: No end to rocket attacks

We told you yesterday, with some skepticism, that Hamas claimed to have brokered a deal with armed groups in Gaza that would end rocket attacks on Israel.

Those armed groups spoke out today (عربي) and denied the report. The Qassam Brigades -- the military wing of Hamas -- said no deal had been signed; the PFLP said it had not "neutralized any form of legitimate resistance"; Islamic Jihad also issued a denial.

But Hamas' interior minister, Fathi Hammad, insisted that his government is still interested in a cease-fire -- to provide the people of Gaza with an opportunity to rebuild, he said. Any agreement would allow Palestinian groups to respond to Israeli attacks.

Israeli jets, meanwhile, wounded eight Palestinians in early-morning raids that targeted a smuggling tunnel and two alleged bomb-making facilities.