The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) will continue to fight though the militant group was badly hit by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Cast Lead operation in the Gaza Strip, local daily The Jerusalem Post quoted a senior Israeli officer as reporting on Sunday.

According to major general Amos Yadlin, head of IDF military intelligence, who briefed Israeli cabinet ministers Sunday on the Gaza operation, there were cracks in Hamas resilience, its disconnected leadership in Syria, and its waning public support following the extensive Israeli attacks on the group.

However, the general predicted that while Hamas realized that it had no choice but to reach a compromise with Israel, it was not about to succumb, and was still capable of striking Israel and the IDF.

Hamas had realized its error in not anticipating an Israeli response to the ongoing rocket fire, and expecting neither a ground incursion nor the cold shoulder the world has shown the group, added Yadlin.

Meanwhile, Israel security agency Shin Bet head Yuval Diskin said that Hamas was waiting for an agreement which would enable it to end the fighting with some dignity, or reach some isolated military achievements.

Iran was attempting to tighten a lethal noose consisting of Gaza, Syria and Lebanon around Israel's neck, he accused.

The number of rockets fired from Gaza at Israel since the start of the operation was substantially lower than what security forces had predicted, added Diskin.

Earlier Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting that the IDF is approaching goals set for the Cast Lead Operation in Gaza.

It is time to "translate our accomplishments into attaining our goals," said the prime minister, stressing that what had been achieved so far in an "unprecedented effort" must not be lost at the last moment.

"Israel is approaching the goals it set for itself, but we require further patience, determination and effort so that our citizens can feel safety and stability," said Olmert.

The Cast Lead Operation, which began on Dec. 27, entered its 16th day on Sunday, killing more than 800 Palestinians. On the Israeli side, 13 people were killed, including four killed in rocket attacks and nine soldiers killed in Gaza ground battle.

(Xinhua News Agency January 12, 2009)