Israel comments on Gaza operations

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-05-2009 14:02

Israel's President says Hamas is now beginning to feel the brunt of the pressure as Israeli forces continue their operations in Gaza.

Shimon Peres made the remark via video link from Jerusalem during an interview on US-based ABC television show "This Week".

Israel's President says Hamas is now beginning to feel the brunt of the pressure as Israeli forces continue their operations in Gaza.(CCTV.com)

It has been more than a week since Israel launched its offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, aimed at halting rocket fire on southern Israel.

Amid global protests and appeals Israel has so far rejected the possibility of a ceasefire.

Shimon Peres, Israel's President, said, "We shall not accept the idea that Hamas will continue to fire and we shall declare a ceasefire. It does not make any sense."

The president also says Israel had exercised restraint before the start of its aerial and ground operations.

Shimon Peres, Israel's President, said, "We do not intend to occupy Gaza nor to crush Hamas but to crush terror. Hamas needs a real and serious lesson. They are now getting it."

Israel's military is stressing that its forces are trying to avoid hurting innocent people.

General Avi Benayah, Israel Defense Forces, said, "The citizens of Gaza are not our target. But we want to explain that anyone who provides a hiding place for terrorists, or keeps them in his house, they are terrorists too."

Israeli military officials confirm the operation may last many days. But Israel says it will continue to allow aid supplies into Gaza to prevent a humanitarian crisis.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei