Israel rules out ceasefire with Hamas

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-24-2007 08:45

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has rejected a proposal by Hamas for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.

Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert speaks during a meeting in Jerusalem December 23, 2007.  REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun

He called Israel's attacks on the Islamic group a "true war."

During a cabinet meeting, Olmert said there could be no cease-fire until Hamas accepted three conditions set by the "Quartet" of international mediators: it must renounce violence, recognize Israel's right to exist and accept past peace agreements between Israel and the Palestinians.

He said Israel's military operations against Palestinian militants would continue.

More than 20 Palestinian gunmen have been killed in the past week as Israel stepped up its operations in Gaza to curb incessant rocket attacks.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei