2007年VOA标准英语-Israel Launches Air Strikes on Gaza as Palestin

Israel has launched air strikes on the Gaza Strip for the third straight day, killing¹ two Palestinians. As Robert Berger reports from VOA's Jerusalem bureau, the air raids occurred as rival Palestinian factions³ agreed to another ceasefire.

rubble4 of a destroyed metal workshop allegedly used by the Islamic group Hamas after it was hit by an Israeli missile strike in Gaza City, 19 May 2007" hspace="2" src="http://www.tingroom.com/upimg/allimg/070606/1029200.jpg" width="210" vspace="2" border="0" />

A Palestinian youth walks past the rubble of a destroyed metal workshop allegedly used by the Islamic group Hamas after it was hit by an Israeli missile strike in Gaza City, 19 May 2007

Israeli Defense⁸ Minister Amir Peretz says there is more to come.

Peretz told Israel Radio that military and political leaders of Hamas could also be targeted. He said anyone involved in rocket attacks should be afraid. At the same time, Peretz ruled out a major ground offensive in Gaza.

The air force went into action after Hamas fired dozens of rockets that have terrorized the Israeli border town of Sderot. But despite the air strikes, the rockets keep coming.

Much of Sderot has been evacuated⁹ and the streets are empty.

The Israeli air strikes have further complicated the situation in Gaza, where Hamas and the rival Palestinian Fatah faction² have engaged in fierce gun battles. Some 50 Palestinians have been killed since fighting began nine days ago. But in a fresh bid to avert¹⁰ civil war, the factions agreed to another ceasefire.

"Maintaining the ceasefire is a vital Palestinian interest and I hope people will adhere to this," said Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat of Fatah.

Under the deal, both sides will pull their fighters off the streets and exchange hostages. But previous ceasefires have quickly collapsed¹¹, and many Palestinians fear that this one will suffer the same fate.