MIDDLE EAST: Israeli President says Israel will defend itself from Gaza-based attacks, while Palesinian Authority spokesman calls for calm
Record ID:
791701
MIDDLE EAST: Israeli President says Israel will defend itself from Gaza-based attacks, while Palesinian Authority spokesman calls for calm
- Title: MIDDLE EAST: Israeli President says Israel will defend itself from Gaza-based attacks, while Palesinian Authority spokesman calls for calm
- Date: 13th February 2008
- Summary: (W3) KHAN YOUNIS, GAZA (FEBRUARY 12, 2008) (REUTERS) AMBULANCE ARRIVING AT HOSPITAL WITH PALESTINIAN MILITANT WOUNDED DURING CLASHES WITH ISRAELI TROOPS BEING OFFLOADED INTO HOSPITAL MEDICAL STAFF ATTENDING TO WOUNDED MAN WOUNDED MAN LYING ON HOSPITAL GURNEY CROWDED HALLWAY IN HOSPITAL VARIOUS OF MEDICAL STAFF ATTENDING TO WOUNDED MAN LYING ON HOSPITAL GURNEY EXTERIOR OF HOSPITAL
- Embargoed: 28th February 2008 12:00
- Keywords:
- Topics: International Relations,Defence / Military
- Reuters ID: LVABETLWX2HCL1GYPSD3CU5GXBQW
- Story Text: While Israeli troops were operating in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip on Tuesday (February 12), President Shimon Peres said the Jewish state would continue to conduct military operations as long as militants attack Israel.
Israeli troops and Palestinian gunmen exchanged fire early Tuesday (February 12) during an Israeli raid into the Gaza Strip, leaving several militants and one Israeli soldier wounded.
A statement issued by the Israeli army spokesperson unit said that forces exchanged fire with Palestinian militants during an operation against 'terror infrastructures' in the Gaza Strip. The statement also said that troops confirmed hitting several of the gunmen, and that an Israeli soldier was lightly wounded.
Palestinian witnesses told Reuters that four militants were wounded and two women were also hurt when a tank shell landed near a house east of Gaza City.
On Monday (February 11), Israeli leaders vowed to step up their war against Hamas and predicted the Islamists' grip on the Gaza Strip would end within months.
Defence Minister Ehud Barak pledged to step-up the Israeli military campaign two days after a rocket from the enclave wounded an Israeli child and prompted dramatic headlines in a country grown used to daily barrages that do little damage.
Israeli President Shimon Peres said on Tuesday that Israel should maintain its solidarity.
"Whoever will shoot at us, we shall shoot back. We have to defend our lives. There won't be a situation that somebody will shoot and we shall smile. Whoever wants to talk, we shall talk. Whoever that will shoot, will be fired back," Peres told Reuters. Peres also described the Gaza-based attacks as "criminal".
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Israel was at "war" and his deputy, Vice Premier Haim Ramon, said he expected Hamas, which seized control in June, to be forced out within the year.
But Saeb Erekat, senior aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas warned any escalation in Israel military operations in Gaza might harm future peace talks.
"We express our concern of any Israeli military escalation or attack on Gaza. At the end of the day, violence will breed violence. It will add to the complexities. The problem in Gaza will not be solved militarily. We know it's a Palestinian problem. We know that the coup must end, and we call upon all in Gaza to stop, and to go for a mutual cessation of hostilities between Israel and the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. We need total calm. This serves the Palestinian interest. And we believe that the military escalation, incursions, roadblocks, settlement activities is just adding to the complexities, enlarging the cycle of violence and counter-violence and will not lead to the road of peace or security for any," Erekat said in the West Bank city of Ramallah.
Meanwhile in Gaza, Hamas leaders are keeping a low profile, apparently to avoid assassination attempts. Israeli minister Shaul Mofaz said that there were no exceptions, everyone was targetted by Israel.
Militants in Gaza hit southern Israel daily with rockets and mortars, in what Hamas says is a response to Israeli attacks. Hundreds of attacks have killed two Israelis in the past year.
The Jewish state frequently launches raids against militants in Gaza, killing around 700 Palestinians including civilians in the past 12 months, Gazan officials say.
Israel has also tightened economic sanctions in Gaza since Hamas seized control in June after routing Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's secular Fatah faction. But Olmert is wary of launching a major ground offensive in the densely populated coastal territory for fear of heavy casualties on both sides.
A broader Israeli military campaign could also complicate peace talks, which U.S. President George W. Bush hopes will lead to a deal before he leaves office to create a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
The Jewish state pulled troops and settlers out of the territory in 2005 but still controls most of its borders. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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