Israel moved troops to the Gaza Strip border, Israeli newspapers reported, as the midnight expiry of a three-day truce drew near without word of an extension.
The Ha'aretz newspaper reported that the Israeli military also called up additional reserves troops, hours after officials warned of a harsh response should rocket fire from the Hamas-ruled territory resume. The Ynet website cited unidentified military officials as saying troops were reinforced as a contingency in case truce talks failed to yield a deal. The military declined comment on the reports.
"Israeli forces are ready for any development," Israeli Minister of Intelligence and Strategic Affairs Yuval Steinitz told reporters in Jerusalem earlier today. "Quiet will be answered by quiet on our side, but if Hamas will resume the bombardment of Israeli citizens and towns, their rocket and mortar bombardments, our counterstrike will be very strong."
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