Region | Palestinian Territories
Israel given offensive extension
Israel was given eight days to continue its attack on Gaza, according to a peace plan proposed on Wednesday, which Tel Aviv praised but stopped short of endorsing.
- By Jumana Al Tamimi, Associate Editor
- Published: 23:38 January 7, 2009
- A girl kisses the body of her brother during a funeral for Palestinians killed at a UN school in Jabalya refugee camp.
- Image Credit: Reuters
Dubai: Israel was given eight days to continue its attack on Gaza, according to a peace plan proposed on Wednesday, which Tel Aviv praised but stopped short of endorsing.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who helped coordinate the proposal along with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, declared that the ceasefire agreement had been agreed upon, but Hamas, Israel and the United States were quick to deny any definitive acceptance.
A senior aide to Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak will go to Cairo on Thursday to discuss an Egyptian proposal to end the war in Gaza, said a senior Israeli defence official.
However, Israel's security cabinet on Wednesday approved the expansion the offensive against Hamas in Gaza, but left the final decision to Barak, the official said.
Speaking to Gulf News, a Hamas spokesman said the proposal should have been discussed with the group.
"Whoever is discussing these initiatives should discuss them with Hamas and the resistance because they are the ones dealing with it on the ground," Osama Hamdan said. He also said other proposals were currently under review, including a Turkish initiative.
White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said Israel and the US would like more time to review the details of the proposal.
Earlier, the Israeli Cabinet decided to institute a daily halt in attacks from 1pm to 4pm to allow humanitarian aid, but attacks resumed shortly after.
Barak "has instructed the army to prepare for the third stage of the operation," a senior defence official said.
The UN Security Council was expected to review the Arab proposal for a peace plan in New York yesterday, after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called for an immediate ceasefire and lifting of a blockade on the Gaza Strip.
Residents took advantage of a three-hour lull in Israeli bombing yesterday to stock up on supplies. Cars and pedestrians returned to the streets of Gaza City after Israel halted bombardment to allow humanitarian supplies into the territory.
Queues formed outside bakeries and grocery shops reopened for the first time since Israel sent ground troops into Gaza. Others rushed to hospitals to visit injured relatives or search for loved ones.
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