GAZA, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- Hamas, for the first time, said 250 of its operatives were killed by Israel during the military offensive in Gaza last year.
Hamas Interior Minister Fathi Hammad told the London based al-Hayat newspaper Monday "police officers" killed in the three-week Operation Cast Lead offensive included 250 Hamas fighters.
"On the first day of the war, Israel targeted police stations and 250 martyrs who were part of Hamas and the various factions fell ... as well as 150 security personnel," he said.
Months after the offensive, Hamas had said only 50 of its operatives were killed by Israeli soldiers. Israel said 13 of its civilians and soldiers were killed during the offensive. Hammad however accused Israel of purposely deflating the numbers and said 50 Israelis were killed.
Hammad said Hamas is prepared to wage a war against Israel but ruled out an escalation anytime soon.
UPI
