Israel accused of trying to "wipe out" population of Gaza
Israel accused of trying to "wipe out" population of Gaza as military offensive enters 18th day
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Tuesday, 13, Jan 2009 08:10
By Matthew Champion
Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas has accused Israel of trying to "wipe out" the population of Gaza as its offensive enters its 18th day.
The military operation, which has killed more than 935 Palestinians – half of them civilians – shows no sign of ending despite the United Nations security council adopting a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire.
Speaking hours after the UN human rights council condemned Israel in a non-binding resolution, Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas said: "This is the 18th day of the Israeli aggression against our people, which has become more ferocious each day as the number of victims has risen.
"Israel is keeping up this aggression in order to wipe out our people over there.
"Our people are holding up well. They continue to defend themselves and will never surrender."
Feature: Time up for Mahmoud Abbas?
Mr Abbas, speaking in Ramallah at the opening of the executive committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), said it was "essential" for Israeli troops to leave Gaza and for air-strikes to end.
"It must stop," he said, "Israel must withdraw from Palestinian territory, lift the blockade and reopen the border crossings so that our people's suffering can end."
More than 4,300 Gazans have been wounded in the 18-day offensive, which has split the densely-populated enclave in two and sent a humanitarian crisis spiralling towards a catastrophe.
Aid workers have just three hours everyday to distribute food, fuel and medical supplies during an Israeli ceasefire window, while foreign aid workers, journalists and observers are completely banned from entering Gaza.
According to UK charities, half of the civilian casualties from the Israeli bombing are children.