Ramallah, 12-06-08: "How can the Israeli government claim a genuine commitment to ceasefire talks when its military continues to kill Gazans – including children – on a daily basis, and while Israeli leaders continue to make preparations for a wide scale attack on the Strip?" said PNI Secretary General Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi today.
Four Palestinians have been killed in separate Israeli air and artillery attacks on the Gaza Strip since Wednesday morning, including 60-year-old Hassan ‘Esseileh and 9-year-old Hadeel Abdel Kareem As-Sumeiri. She was killed when Israeli tanks invaded from near the Kisufim military crossing and shelled the As-Sumeiri family home while the family was inside.
At least 6 others were wounded in the attacks, including 3-year-old Wa‘ed Fayyad, who suffered serious shrapnel injuries from Israeli tank shelling.
"These attacks form part of a wider series of attempts by the Israeli government and its military to undercut the success of any ceasefire talks," said Dr. Barghouthi. "The offer of a comprehensive, reciprocal and immediate ceasefire has been on the table for more than a year, yet the Israeli government has responded by escalating its attacks not only on the Gaza Strip, but also on the West Bank," said the MP.
"Since Prime Minster Olmert declared his commitment to peace at Annapolis, Israeli military attacks have increased by 300%. What does this say about the sincerity of the Israeli government‘s commitment to peace?" questioned Dr. Barghouthi.