Middle East

Israeli Foreign Minister vows to end Hamas control

Article published on the 2008-12-25 Latest update 2008-12-29 10:48 TU

Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni speaks during a news conference in Cairo
(Credit: Reuters)

Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni vowed Thursday to end Hamas' control of the Gaza Strip, after Hamas fighters fired their biggest rocket barrage in six months Wednesday, quelling hopes for a renewed truce. "Enough is enough. The situation is going to change," said Livni, speaking after her meeting in Cairo with President Hosni Mubarak. She was in the Egyptian capital for talks to discuss the deteriorating sitation in Gaza after the truce expired six days ago.

"Yesterday's escalation was unbearable," said Livni, speaking of the Hamas rockets that hit Israel on Wednesday.

"Hamas decided to target Israel, this is something that has to be stopped and this is what we're going to do," she said.

Hamas launched the 70-plus rockets to avenge the killing of three of their fighters on 23 December.

"Hamas needs to understand that our aspiration for peace does not mean that Israel will take this situation any longer," Livni said during a joint press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit.

Egypt mediated the six-month truce that expired last Friday. Abul Gheit called for restraint in the occupied territory that has been governed by Hamas since June 2007.

"Egypt has made clear that there should be restraint and no escalation and an alleviation of the humanitarian situation," he said, adding, "The president has made it very clear that there is a need to stay away from collective punishment."