S. Africa's Zuma Urges End To Israel's Gaza Offensive

South African President Jacob Zuma on Wednesday called on the Israeli government to stop its crippling military offensive against the besieged Gaza Strip, now in its third week.



"Like all peace-loving people in the world, we are shocked and dismayed by the violence and tragic loss of life in Gaza," Zuma said Wednesday.



Zuma also called on Palestinian resistance faction Hamas to stop firing rockets at Israeli cities.



At least 678 Palestinians have been killed since Israel began its devastating offensive against the Palestinian coastal enclave on July 7.



"There will never be a military solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The only solution lies in serious and genuine negotiations involving all parties," Zuma asserted.



He also appealed to the Egyptian authorities to open the Rafah border crossing with Gaza to allow injured and affected people out of the embattled territory.



"With electricity, fuel, and medical supplies running out in Gaza, the only lifeline for the people of Gaza is their brothers and sisters in Egypt," he said.



He went on to stress his country's opposition to any attempt by Israel to use its onslaught on Gaza to undermine a recently-formed Palestinian unity government.



"South Africa joins the U.N. Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, in calling for an immediate ceasefire by all sides and a resumption of the flow of humanitarian aid to the suffering people of Gaza," he said.



Since July 7, Israel has pummeled the Gaza Strip with fierce air, artillery and naval bombardments with the stated aim of halting Palestinian rocket fire.



Last week, Israel stepped up its offensive to include ground operations, sending thousands of troops into the embattled strip.



According to official Israeli figures, 34 Israelis – including 32 soldiers – have been killed since hostilities began.



Israel's "Operation Protective Edge" is the self-proclaimed Jewish state's third major offensive against the densely-populated Gaza Strip – home to some 1.8 million Palestinians – within the last six years.



In 2008/9, over 1500 Palestinians were killed – the vast majority of them civilians – during Israel's three-week-long "Operation Cast Lead."



By Hassan Isilow



englishnews@aa.com.tr



www.aa.com.tr/en - Gauteng