The shadowy leader of Hamas' armed wing on Tuesday broke a two-year silence with a new vow to continue battle until "victory" over Israel.

The new comments by Mohammed Deif were published a Hamas Web site. Hamas said his call to battle was part of a new book glorifying comrades killed in fighting with Israel.

Deif is one of Israel's most wanted Palestinian gunmen. He has survived several assassination attempts and lives in hiding. It is believed that he remains seriously wounded.

In his comments, Deif said he will go on fighting until victory, or until he is killed.

Hamas and Israel have been observing a truce since June, however the group says it was increasing its combat training in preparation for future fighting.

On Monday, senior security officials told The Jerusalem Post that Hamas was continuing weapons smuggling at a rapid pace.