Gaza strikes 'destroy peace talks prospects'

Foreign Minister Tonio Borg said yesterday he was deeply worried with the Israeli air strikes on the Gaza strip that killed at least 280 over the weekend.

Dr Borg stressed that Israel must "do everything in its power to avoid civilian casualties" but also called on Palestinian militants to stop firing rockets on Israel.

Dr Borg pointed out that peaceful means were "the only way of reaching a lasting solution to the situation in Gaza" and called for support for the Palestinian government of Mahmoud Abbas.

"I am deeply concerned by continuing missile strikes from Gaza on Israel and by Israel's response," Dr Borg said. The missile strikes are designed to cause random destruction and to undermine the prospects of peace talks led by President Abbas, he stressed.

While understanding the Israeli government's obligation to its population, Dr Borg said the country also needs to meet its humanitarian duties and act in a way to further the long-term vision of a two-state solution while doing everything in its power to avoid civilian casualties.

"Everyone understands that Israel has a right to defend itself but violence would not lead to a resolution," he said, adding that, in the end, the only progress will be political progress and a settlement between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

Moviment Graffitti will hold a peace walk at 5.30 p.m. tomorrow in Freedom Square, Valletta in solidarity with the Palestinian people.