Israel kills 17 in response to Palestinian attacks

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TESTS TAPESCRIPTS

AM - Wednesday, 16 January, 2008 08:16:00

Reporter: David Hardaker

TONY EASTLEY: The Gaza Strip has seen its bloodiest day for more than a year with Israeli forces killing 17 Palestinians, including three civilians.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has denounced Israel's attacks as a massacre and a slap in the face to efforts to resume peace-making.

Israel says it was acting to defend itself against continued rocket fire from the Gaza Strip.

Middle East Correspondent, David Hardaker reports.

DAVID HARDAKER: It's only been four days since US President George W Bush left Israel and the West Bank after promoting peace talks.

It was widely predicted that Israel would wait until his departure to increase its attacks on the Gaza Strip and so it came to pass: an attack which left close to 20 dead and dozens severely wounded.

Among the dead was the son of Mahmoud al-Zahar, who's a founding member of the Hamas movement and one of its most militant leaders. For him the political became very personal.

MAHMOUD AL-ZAHAR: This is one of the results of Bush visit. He encouraged the Israeli to kill the Palestinian people and we are going to defend ourselves by all means.

DAVID HARDAKER: The deaths came during an Israeli air and ground operation on the eastern side of Gaza City.

Israel says it took the action to stop Palestinian militants from firing rockets into the border town of Sderot - and beyond.

Hamas has taken responsibility for a barrage of rockets over the last 24 hours.

Israel government spokesman Mark Regev:

MARK REGEV: Only today, an innocent farmer was murdered by gunfire from the Gaza Strip. And unfortunately, every day over the last weeks and months we've had continuous terrorist activities - mortar shells, rockets, small arms fire. And it's our obligation to do what we can to protect our people.

DAVID HARDAKER: Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas denounced what he called the massacre and butchery of the Palestinian people.

(Mahmoud Abbas speaking)

"We say to the world and to Israel we can't remain silent about crimes such as these. In no way whatsoever can it bring peace," he said.

But Mr Abbas is in a difficult position. He's been embraced by the US President and Palestinians have watched as he's shaken hands and smiled with Israel's Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert.

In the eyes of many Palestinians, it means Mr Abbas has become a traitor to the Palestinian cause.

Hamas leaders said as much today, of the man known as Abu Mazen.

Mahmoud al-Zahar:

MAHMOUD AL-ZAHAR: This is the hope of Abu Mazen and his colleagues. They collaborate with Israel and the spies of America.

(Ismail Haniyeh speaking)

DAVID HARDAKER: "Shame on those who shake hands with occupation leaders, who sit with the occupier during these crimes and massacres," said former Hamas prime minister Ismail Haniyeh

This is David Hardaker in Jerusalem, reporting for AM.

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