By KUNA
Gaza : The Palestinian National Authority on Thursday condemned anew Israel’s military escalation in Gaza Strip and affirmed the stepped-up action posed a serious threat to diplomatic efforts.
Nabil Abu Rudainah, spokesman of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said in remarks, broadcast by the Palestinian radio station, “the current Israeli escalation in the south of Gaza Strip would neither serve the peace process nor help in creating an atmosphere of confidence as warranted by the peace negotiations.” Israeli troops stepped up attacks in the region, earlier today, killing at least five Palestinians.
Abbas is holding contacts with the Americans and “Arab brothers” to rally pressure on the Israeli government to halt the attacks with tanks and warplanes, the president spokesman added.
He said that Abbas would visit Saudi Arabia on Saturday as part of regular consultations between the Palestinian and Saudi leaders, adding that Abbas’ visits to Egypt and Jordan were part of inter-Arab consultations ahead of the forecast regional tour by US President George W. Bush.