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Ferocity of Israeli Attacks Surprises West

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 27, 2008 7:12 PM CST

(Newser) – It's no surprise that Israel has struck back at Hamas, but the intensity of the attacks "appeared to stun Western governments and analysts," writes Michael Abramowitz of the Washington Post. Barack Obama's camp has remained largely mum so far on the air assaults that have killed more than 200, but it will likely come under pressure to rein in Israel. In the meantime, any hope Obama had of an early Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement has gone up in smoke.

"If the casualty reports are accurate, Hamas is going to respond," said one Mideast scholar. "And this isn't a two- or three-day deal in which the genie is put back in the bottle." Saudi Arabia urged the US to intervene with Israel, but Condoleezza Rice instead blamed Hamas for the new violence. She did not ask Israel to stop its attacks but cautioned against the loss of civilian life.

[Images (4)]

[Quotes (1)]

Palestinians stand on the rubble of a building used by Hamas. (AP Photo/Thaer Al-Hasani)

Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert speaks during a press conference at the Prime Minister's office in Tel Aviv, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008. (AP Photo/Moti Milrod)

A Palestinian security force officer from Hamas reacts as he stands over others that were killed in an Israeli missile strike. (AP Photo/Fadi Adwan)

Palestinians walk in the rubble outside the former headquarters of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Gaza City. (AP Photo/Majed Hamdan)

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We strongly condemn the repeated rocket and mortar attacks against Israel and hold Hamas responsible for breaking the ceasefire and for the renewal of violence there. - Condoleezza Rice

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 3 comments

Shannonals

Dec 30, 2008 10:32 PM CST

Hamas does not represent all Arabs, nor is it a reflection of every Palestinian. Why is it that whenever Hamas does soemthing idiotic, all these comments come out against Arabs everywhere? Take this into consideration, Americans are the least welcomed in a majority of countries, and I'm not even counting Arab countries, all because the actions of a few.

riffran

Dec 27, 2008 8:15 PM CST

Thats what they get...I put it in words the palestinians can understand....peace....gooooood suicide bombers......baaaad rocket attacks...baaaaad anger Isreal.....verrrrry baaaaaad.........hope this clears thing up ...lol....mess with the bull ya get the horns....hitem harder Isreal....maybe they will get the message to leave it alone...

vendetta

Dec 27, 2008 7:07 PM CST

Indeed, I deplore violence but Israel has bent over backwards to the PLO and the Arab world; and all they get in return is attacked. HIt them harder.

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