RAMALLAH, May 28, 2007, (WAFA)-Minister of Information and government's official spokesman Dr. Mustafa al-Barghouthi said on Monday that the siege imposed on Jericho hospital is a reprehensible act and contrary to all international norms and conventions.

In a statement, al-Barghouthi described the targeting hospitals , medical centers and humanitarian institutions by the Israeli occupation Forces as an Israeli crime and shameful comprehensive aggression.

"Such act needs an international stance against Israel, which considers the military option and aggression as a way to resolve the conflict with the Palestinians," according to the statement.

He added that Israel had exceeded all red lines and violated taboos through its crimes against the Palestinian people, which affected humanitarian and health institutions. Israel launched a full-scale war and its acts prove its government weakness and stress that there is no Israeli partner for peace.

Al-Barghouthi concluded that Israel retaliates on the Palestinian initiative to achieve a simultaneous, reciprocal and comprehensive calm with more escalation and aggression that threaten to explode the situation in the region.

M.H.(11:00 P)(08:00 GMT)