Israel's Olmert vows to impose 'calm' on Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Sunday blamed the Islamist Hamas movement for all attacks from the Gaza Strip and warned that "calm" would be imposed by force if they did not cease.
"Hamas is the dominant force in the Gaza Strip. It is responsible (for all attacks) and will be called to bear the consequences of its activities. We do not intend to accept this reality," he told a weekly cabinet meeting.
"This reality has to change... Either there is calm or Israel will use such force that will lead to calm," he added.
Israel launched three air raids on the Gaza Strip on Saturday against two Hamas-run police stations and a group of gunmen approaching the border fence, killing five Hamas militants and wounding another two.
Palestinian militants meanwhile fired more than 20 homemade rockets at Israeli communities near the border with the isolated and impoverished territory, hitting a house but not wounding anyone.
Israeli troops and Palestinian militants have clashed on a near-daily basis since Hamas seized control of the territory in June 2007 after ousting forces loyal to Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas.
Since then Israel's leaders have mulled a larger offensive against the besieged territory, but were expected to hold off until after Israel's 60th anniversary celebrations and a visit by US President George W. Bush next week.
AFP
