Jan 18 2009
U.S. and Iran React Differently to Gaza Cease-fire
Reuters reports that the U.S. and U.N. welcomed Israel’s recent decision to declare a unilateral cease-fire in Gaza.
The American government went on to say “it expected all parties to stop hostile actions immediately.”
The Iranian government gave a different reaction to the cease-fire, saying it was “not enough” and that the Israeli Defense Forces “must withdraw.”
But that’s not all. According to Reuters, “Turkey urged Western countries to engage with Hamas, and the pope urged the world to pray for peace in Gaza and the hundreds killed in the conflict.”
“The goal remains a durable and fully respected ceasefire that will lead to stabilization and normalization in Gaza,” Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said after Israel halted its military offensive in the area.
“The United States commends Egypt for its efforts and remains deeply concerned by the suffering of innocent Palestinians,” she added. “We welcome calls for immediate coordinated international action to increase assistance flows and will contribute to such efforts.”
12 hours after the Israelis’ cease-fire went into effect, Hamas declared it would stop fighting as well. The Palestinian militant group also said it would give Israel one week to pull its troops out of the Gaza Strip.
The call for an Israeli withdrawal was echoed by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
“I am relieved that the Israeli government has decided to cease hostilities,” Ban told reporters. “This should be the first step leading to the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.”
“Hamas militants must stop firing rockets now,” he added.
Since the conflict began last month, 13 Israelis have died, including three civilians killed by rocket attacks launched by Hamas militants. Of the 10 Israelis soldiers who have lost their lives, one died from Palestinian rockets and nine from the fighting in Gaza – four of them from friendly fire. 98 Israeli soldiers have been wounded since the start of the IDF’s military campaign.
Just over 1,000 Palestinians have died, including at least 670 civilians. Nearly 4,000 have been injured.
Ha I like how the Palestinians are giving Israel a week to pull out like they are in any position to give orders after they just got there ass kicked all over the place…..This is just the beginning….