Posted on 01/02/2009 6:23:02 PM PST by Mr. Mojo
WASHINGTON – President George W. Bush on Friday branded the Hamas rocket attacks on Israel an "act of terror" and outlined his own condition for a cease-fire in Gaza, saying no peace deal would be acceptable without monitoring to halt the flow of smuggled weapons to terrorist groups.
Bush chose his weekly taped radio address to speak for the first time about one of the bloodiest Mideast clashes in decades. It began a week ago. Israeli warplanes have rained bombs on Gaza, targeting the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has traumatized southern Israel with intensifying rocket attacks.
"The United States is leading diplomatic efforts to achieve a meaningful cease-fire that is fully respected," Bush said. "Another one-way cease-fire that leads to rocket attacks on Israel is not acceptable. And promises from Hamas will not suffice — there must be monitoring mechanisms in place to help ensure that smuggling of weapons to terrorist groups in Gaza comes to an end."
The White House released Bush's radio address a day early. It airs on Saturday morning.
Despite Bush's account of a U.S. leadership role, with time running out on his presidency, the administration seemed increasingly ready Friday to let the crisis in Gaza shift to President-elect Barack Obama. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice briefed Bush on developments in Gaza, and she continued furious telephone diplomacy to arrange a truce. Yet, she said she had no plans to make an emergency visit to the region.
More than 400 Palestinians and four Israelis have been killed in the latest offensive. The U.N. estimated Friday that a quarter of the Palestinians killed were civilians. In their waning days in power, Bush and Rice have been working the phones with world allies.
Bush offered no criticism of Israel
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
“This recent outburst of violence was instigated by Hamas — a Palestinian terrorist group supported by Iran and Syria that calls for Israel’s destruction,” Bush said.
“By spending its resources on rocket launchers instead of roads and schools, Hamas has demonstrated that it has no intention of serving the Palestinian people,” Bush said. “America has helped by providing tens of millions of dollars in humanitarian aid, and this week we contributed an additional $85 million through the United Nations. We have consistently called on all in the region to ensure that assistance reaches those in need.”
Good for Bush!
Wonder how much landed in Hamas' hands?
He should refuse to give the humanitarian aid to the UN until they get on board and condemn Hamas and have a vote to show total support for Isreal. Come on Bush tell the UN to shove it!!!
W spends billions on big government and invites illegal immigration through our own borders ... yet he will still condemn terrorism on the other side of the planet. I’m sick of this man making my head spin.
God bless President Bush.
I see your flag and raise it. *\;-)
Hooray President Bush!
I don't think we'll hear such decent remarks when the messiah comes. Maybe Hamas lover Malley will try to negotiate a cease fire down Israel's throat when The One assumes office.
DOUBLE THAT!
Where’s Obama? Has he decided not to interfere with President Bush’s foreign policy or he hiding?
I’m pleased with the President’s statement.
I dread Obama.
The Palestinians have asked for UN monitors for years. Israelis refuse. Why?
Sorry, this didn't start a week ago. It started MONTHS ago with Hamas lobbing rocket after rocket into Israel.
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