By Xinhua
Jerusalem : Visiting US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice met with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni to discuss Israel’s decision to define the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip as a “hostile entity”.
At a joint press conference after their meeting, Rice told reporters that the Palestinian Hamas is a “hostile entity” to US as well.
Israel’s Cabinet declared the Gaza Strip a “hostile entity” Wednesday ahead of Rice’s visit and said it would cut off power and fuel supplies to the strip.
Rice reiterated that the US would not abandon the innocent Palestinians in Gaza.
Rice also discussed with foreign minister issues regarding Iran, Lebanon and the Middle East peace progress.
She said Israel and the Palestinians are showing good faith in their negotiations towards a “two state solution”.
Rice, who had visited this region in August, is also expected to hold separate meetings Wednesday with Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak and Isreali Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
She leaves Thursday for the West Bank city of Ramallah for meetings with the Palestinian leadership.