Hamas: Gaza attacks meant as 'test' for Egypt leader

Israel's deadly attacks on the Gaza Strip on Wednesday and Thursday were intended as a "test" of the new Egyptian president's tolerance for violence in Gaza, Hamas said Thursday. Spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said the airstrikes that killed six militants in separate attacks were "unjustified," and came after Egyptian President Mohammad Mursi delivered a speech affirming his support for the Palestinian cause, Ma'an news agency reported. "Muhammad Mursi and the Arab League supported the Palestinian people," Barhoum said. He added: "After Israel's clear messages, Egypt and the Arab League have to put forward a new strategy to deal with Israel and respond to the aggressive attacks against the Palestinian people." Six Palestinians died after separate airstrikes late Wednesday and early Thursday in what Israel called a response to rocket fire and attempts to plant a road-side bomb on the border.