The Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas warned Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday against any military "adventure" in Gaza ahead of Israeli elections next month.
Netanyahu is currently battling for re-election for a fifth term, facing a tough challenge from a centrist political alliance as well as a planned indictment on corruption charges.
Israel and Hamas, which controls the Israeli-blockaded Gaza Strip, have fought three wars since 2008.
Many analysts, however, believe Netanyahu would want to avoid an escalation in Gaza with unpredictable results ahead of April 9 polls.
Asked about a potential Israeli military operation, Hamas leader Ismail Haniya told journalists: "If the (Israeli) occupation or Netanyahu think of an adventure, I think they will pay the price that will send them away."
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