The two largest Palestinian militant groups are threatening to withdraw from a ceasefire with Israel after a four-month lull in fighting.
Israeli soldiers arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a protest
Leaders of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, which have carried out dozens of suicide bombings in recent years, are accusing Israel of violating the truce with continued military operations.
The groups made their announcements late Sunday after a meeting of 13 Palestinian factions in Gaza and said they would make a decsion in days.
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas declared the ceasefire at a summit in Egypt in February, hoping to end more than four years of fighting. The following month, the Islamic militants agreed to honour the deal.
The ceasefire has brought a sharp drop in violence, although sporadic bloodshed has persisted. Mr Abbas met militants in Gaza last week in an effort to shore up the truce following a new flare-up.
In the meetings, Mr Abbas agreed to give the militants a role in preparations for the planned Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian Authority also released two Islamic Jihad prisoners it had been holding for involvement in a February 25th suicide bombing in Tel Aviv.
But a Hamas spokesman, said his group's patience was wearing thin. "Israel is committing daily violations. . . . We are going to reconsider our stance if Israel continues its aggression," he said.
A collapse in the ceasefire would mark a serious setback for Mr Abbas, who is under Israeli pressure to rein in the militants. He has refused to confront the militant groups, preferring to negotiate with them.
A resumption of violence would also hinder Mr Abbas's efforts to crack down on growing lawlessness in the Palestinian areas.
AP