Abbas: Israel must accept truce initiative
Palestinian, Egyptian presidents, German foreign minister meet in Cairo in yet another attempt to end Gaza fighting. Abbas urges Israel to agree to armistice; asks for international force to be deployed in Gaza
Diplomatic efforts to end the fighting in the Gaza Strip were underway in Cairo Saturday, as German Foreign Minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, met with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to discuss the Egypt-sponsored initiative to end the Gaza conflict.
Separately, Hamas officials are slated to meet with Egyptian officials as well.
Israeli officials were in Cairo earlier this week to discuss a way to end the fighting, which began on December 27.
Israel has said its offensive in Gaza is designed to stop rocket fire into its south.
In a press conference held in Cairo, Abbas called on Israel to accept the Egyptian-brokered plan. Sould Israel continue in its offensive, he warned, it would be responsible for a "waterfall of blood."
Abbas also called for an international force to be deployed in the Gaza Strip.
The Palestinian leader also said he hoped the militant group Hamas, which controls Gaza, will be able to reach an agreement to end the fighting, without "hesitation."
Earlier, the Syrian State-run newspapers Tishrin criticized the UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire between Israel and Hamas leading to the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Tishrin is known to reflect the views of the Syrian government, which has so far not commented on the resolution that was approved Thursday. The newspaper said that the resolution disregards Palestinian demands but was compatible with most Israeli conditions.
