Gaza City - The Palestinian Islamic Jihad faction on Saturday vowed to respond to any violation by Israel of an Egyptian- brokered ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Abu Ahmad, a spokesman for Islamic Jihad's armed wing, said the movement's armed wing, said the movement "accepted the ceasefire from a strong position but will strongly respond to the Israeli violations."

The six-month ceasefire between Palestinian factions led by Hamas, and Israel took effect on Thursday, a year after Hamas routed the security forces of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and took over the Gaza Strip.

Ahmad recounted previous ceasefire deals between Israel and the Palestinians, saying the longest lasted for nine months in 2005 when Israeli settlers and troops were withdrawing from Gaza Strip.

"In the 2005 lull, Israel assassinated 23 Islamic Jihad leaders and members and seven martyrdom operations (suicide bombings) were carried out during that lull in response to the assassinations," Abu Ahmed added in a statement. (dpa)