Prime Minister Ehud Olmert declared Sunday that Israel is at war with terrorist groups in Gaza, and that the IDF would continue its military operations against them until the deadly mortar and Kassam attacks on southern Israel end.
"There is no way to describe what is taking place there other than as a real war between the IDF and terrorist groups," he told cabinet ministers in the regular weekly meeting. "This war will continue, while making sure to avoid a humanitarian crisis that could harm civilians who are not at all involved in terrorism. This policy requires patience and tenacity," he added.
Olmert said military operations in Gaza will continue until Hamas is willing to formally recognize the State of Israel, renounce terrorism and uphold agreements signed by the previous Palestinian Authority government, the three demands set by the Quartet of nations (US, Russia, United Nations and European Union). "The State of Israel has no interest in negotiating with entities that do not recognize the Quartet demands," he added, rejecting feelers by Hamas to reach a ceasefire.