"Israel" hints at Gaza reoccupation

Source: alalam.ir, 19-5-2007
Washington--The "Israeli" occupation has revealed that it may reenter the Gaza Strip, which it abandoned in September 2005 after 38 years of occupation.
The regime`s envoy to the US, Sallai Meridor, told reporters that "Israel" could take other actions if necessary after launching a spate of deadly air strikes on the Gaza Strip.
The Zionist regime has conducted several air attacks on Gaza since Tuesday for the first time in six months. The strikes have so far led to the martyrdom of 17 Palestinians, including women and children.
In retaliation, more than 50 rockets fired from Gaza have struck the occupied territory of Sderot, wounding several Zionists.
Resistance fighters have fired 106 Qassam rockets and 31 mortar rounds at illegal settlements near the Gaza Strip Since Tuesday.
Meridor said, "The situation is very volatile and the trend is very negative, which may necessitate other actions in the future."
He did not say what other actions the Zionist regime could take, but an "Israeli" official speaking on condition of anonymity indicated that the "Israeli" army could re-enter the Palestinian territory.
In Tel Aviv, the Zionist regime`s foreign minister Tzipi Livni told foreign ambassadors that the regime may decide further action within days and noted the cabinet would meet as usual on Sunday.
"Israeli" occupation forces have recently completed training for a possible ground offensive in Gaza, from which they and Jewish settlers withdrew in 2005.
Meridor claimed Hamas was increasing its strength in Gaza, which he said could jeopardize Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas` efforts to reassert authority and negotiate a "peace deal" with "Israel".
He said the buildup of Hamas` military strength in Gaza was more alarming than the rocket attacks.
The occupation regime bombed civilian targets in Gaza on Friday, martyring three Palestinians and wounding several others.
At least 11 Palestinians had been martyred by Zionist fire a day earlier.
Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh called on Palestinians to unite against "`Israeli` aggression" and cease internal fighting.
Abbas also called US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and asked her to halt an "Israeli" "military escalation".