Fierce battles as Israel claims it is close to 'achieving goals'

[bemildred]

Israeli troops and tanks yesterday began heavy fighting in a suburb of Gaza City for the first time as local medics reported 46 Palestinian deaths. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert declared that Israel was “getting close to achieving the goals it set for itself” in its 15 day-offensive.

But with the top Israeli Defence Ministry official, Amos Gilad preparing to fly again to Cairo for fresh peace talks, Mr Olmert set no timetable for ending a military campaign which has now caused an estimated 884 Palestinian deaths and is aimed at stopping militant rocket attacks into southern Israel.

He instead warned that “patience, determination and effort are still needed to realise these goals in a manner that will change the security situation in the south.”

As dusk fell it was still not clear whether the Israeli military intends to implement its so called “third phase” of the military campaign by penetrating deeper into the heart of Gaza City and other urban centres before allowing time for diplomatic efforts now focused on Cairo to end the war.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/fierce-battles-as-israel-claims-it-is-close-to-achieving-goals-14136834.html

[madrchsod]

1. the israeli government can not afford peace

the government is afraid the people of israel will wake up and realize that they have lost more than they have gained.