December 28, 2008	Sunday	Zilhaj 29, 1429

GAZA, Dec 27: An armed attack on the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip on Saturday drew varying reactions from world states, international bodies and political leaders.

ISRAELI FORCE: “The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) will continue its operations against terror in accordance with constant status assessments by the IDF Chief of General Staff. This operation will be continued, expanded and intensified as much as required.”

ISLAMIC JIHAD: “All fighters are ordered to respond to the Israeli slaughter.”

HAMAS: The group will “teach the enemy a lesson they will never forget”.

AIDE TO ABBAS: “President Abbas demands that the Israeli government stop this aggression immediately to spare our people its painful effects, and calls on the international community to intervene to stop the aggression.”

WHITE HOUSE: “Hamas’ continued rocket attacks into Israel must cease if the violence is to stop. Hamas must end its terrorist activities if it wishes to play a role in the future of the Palestinian people.

“The United States urges Israel to avoid civilian casualties as it targets Hamas in Gaza.”

European Union: “We are very concerned at the events in Gaza. We call for an immediate ceasefire and urge everybody to exert maximum restraint.”

UNITED NATIONS: “The secretary-general is deeply alarmed by Saturday’s heavy violence and bloodshed in Gaza, and the continuation of violence in southern Israel.”

EGYPT: “Egypt condemns the Israeli military attacks.”

“Egypt will continue its contacts to prepare an atmosphere conducive to restoring the period of calm and achieving reconciliation between the Palestinian groups.”

BRITAIN: “Whilst we understand the Israeli government’s obligation to protect its population we urge maximum restraint to avoid further civilian casualties.”

“We also call on militants in the Gaza Strip to immediately cease all rocket attacks on Israel.”

FRANCE: “He (French President Nicolas Sarkozy) demands an immediate stop to the firing of rockets on Israel and to the Israeli bombings in Gaza and calls for all parties to use restraint.”

IRAN: “The raids against innocent people are unforgiveable and unacceptable.”

RUSSIA: “Moscow deems it necessary to stop large scale military action against Gaza, which had already led to big casualties and suffering among civilian Palestinian population ... we (also) call on Hamas leadership to stop shelling Israeli territory.”

ITALY: “Prime Minister Berlusconi hopes that this new wave of clashes does not degenerate further and asks all parties involved to immediately cease the launching of rockets at Israel as well as the bombings in the Gaza Strip.”—Reuters