Olmert vows to continue Gaza sweep
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Prime Minister Ehud Olmert pledged to press ahead with Israel’s offensive in the northern Gaza Strip, brushing off international calls to halt the fighting and Palestinian complaints of dwindling supplies of water, food and other staples.
The death toll in Israel’s five-day sweep through the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanoun rose to 48, when four Palestinians, including two Hamas militants, were killed, Palestinian health officials said.
Israel launched the drive last week to try to stop daily rocket barrages aimed at Israeli towns.
The Vatican and European Union have expressed concern about the offensive, but Olmert said it was necessary to “considerably reduce” the rocket fire.
He said Israel had no intention of reoccupying Gaza after last year’s pullout.
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