Despite the rhetoric, Hamas would be taking a gamble by resuming large-scale violence. The group won legislative elections this year and has been struggling to win international legitimacy. Already boycotted by the US, Europe and Israel, Hamas would risk further international isolation.
Perhaps with this in mind, Hamas leaders in Gaza quickly distanced themselves from a call by the group's military wing for Muslims around the world to strike at "the American enemy." Hamas has historically confined attacks to Israeli targets.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert expressed regret at the loss of civilian life and offered humanitarian aid.
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