Sharon cuts all contact with Abbas

cctv.com 01-15-2005 10:13

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is cutting off all contact with Mahmoud Abbas until the new Palestinian leader reins in militants. He's also closed all Gaza crossings after six Israelis were killed at a border on Thursday. But Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat rejects the moves, saying the best way forward is to resume talks.

Palestinian militants killed six Israelis Friday in a bombing and shooting attack at the main commercial crossing into Gaza. This after Israeli troops killed three gunmen in an exchange of fire at the Karni border terminal between Israel and Gaza on Thursday.

Abbas denounced the violence. He said: "These attacks and what Israel did last week by killing nine Palestinians does not benefit peace. "

Abbas is urging a ceasefire after four years of bloodshed to allow resumption of talks with Israel on peace and Palestinian statehood. And Palestinian Authority Spokesman Nabil Abu Rdeineh is echoing his call.

He said: "What happened in Gaza today proved again that we are in need of an immediate mutual ceasefire. There should be an immediate coming back to the negotiating table."

But thousands of militant supporters waved flags and chanted as they made their way down the streets of Jabalya refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip. And the militant groups vowed to continue their fighting as long as there is occupation.

Editor:Xiang  Source:CCTV.com