By NNN-KUNA,
Gaza : Five Israeli soldiers were killed during heavy clashes between Israeli army and Palestinian activists east of Gaza city, said a statement by the Izziddin Al-Qassam brigades, military wing for Hamas, on Saturday.
The Aqsa radio station said that several Israeli soldiers were injured in the clashes which occurred in Al-Zaitoun neighborhood in Gaza city.
Meanwhile, President Mahmoud Abbas called on the international community to stop the Israeli war machine and the shedding of more Palestinian blood.
According to chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat, President Abbas has increased contacts with Arab and international sides on this aspect.
He affirmed that Abbas and the Palestinian authority strongly condemned the operations against the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, Nabil Abu-Rudina, Palestinian Presidential spokesman, said that he was continuing efforts with the EU to end the situation in Gaza.