Hamas: Israeli attacks attempt to destroy Palestinian cause; on Saturday Israeli forces killed 91-year-old shepherd

Ma'an -- Hamas said Thursday that Israeli rhetoric which uses the launching of projectiles from Gaza to "justify targeting civilians" is an attempt to destroy the Palestinian cause.

Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said that strikes on Gaza affirmed the credibility of Hamas' stance that Palestinians would pay heavily for negotiations, which he said were a cover for Israeli violations.

"The occupation wants to keep public opinion busy with blood and body parts while it Judaizes Jerusalem and builds settlements in the West Bank," Barhoum said, adding that the attacks were launched simultaneously with direct peace talks.

Israel launched two airstrikes on Gaza within 24 hours on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning, killing one and injuring two others. The Israeli military said the strikes were in response to projectiles fired from the Strip.

On Saturday, Israeli soldiers killed three Palestinian shepherds on their land in Gaza, one of whom was 91 years old. Initial military reports said the men were terrorists, however, a later statement said they were non-combatants.