Russia, France decry Israel onslaught

Smoke billows from the Gaza Strip following Israeli air strikes on Saturday. Russia and France demand Israel to immediately to stop its attacks on the Gaza Strip, where at least 180 Palestinians have been killed. "Russia believes it is necessary to halt immediately the large-scale acts of force against the Gaza Strip, which have already caused considerable victims and suffering amongst the Palestinian population," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement released Saturday. Earlier in the day, Israel F16 bombers and apache helicopters launched at least 30 coordinated onslaughts on nearly the same number of targets in the Gaza City. The strikes have killed at least 210 Palestinians and wounded hundreds of others. French President Nicolas Sarkozy urged Tel Aviv to disengage its military aircraft, which have pounded the Palestinian Hamas' headquarters. "The President of the Republic expresses his profound concern at the escalation of violence in the south of Israel and the Gaza Strip. He strongly condemns the irresponsible provocations which led to this situation as well as the disproportionate use of force," the Elysee Palace said n a statement. HN/MD http://samotalis.blogspot.com/