Israel Vows Not to Stop Offensive

Israel’s prime minister told his Cabinet Sunday that Israel will not stop its offensive in the Gaza Strip, despite international criticism.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said the military action would continue until Palestinian militants release a captured Israeli soldier and halt rocket attacks, CNN reports.

On Saturday Olmert rejected a call by Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh for a cease-fire.

The Israeli offensive, launched in response to the capture of 19-year-old Cpl. Gilad Shalit, has killed more than 50 Palestinians and hospitalized more than 180 others. It has also caused widespread destruction in Gaza.

We’re talking about a war that will continue for a long time and it is complicated, CNN quoted Olmert as saying.

The ministers unanimously supported Olmert’s decision to continue the Gaza offensive, his rejection of the truce offer and his refusal to negotiate with the Palestinians, CNN said.

Israel launched three attacks in Gaza Sunday, including one air strike that missed a car carrying a Hamas rocket squad and killed a bystander instead, CNN reported.