President Condemns Israeli Massacre in Gaza and Calls for Success of Calm

MOSCOW, April 16, 2008, (WAFA)-President Mahmoud Abbas strongly condemned on Wednesday the Israeli escalation in the Gaza Strip, which claimed the death of 18 citizens, including children and Reuters cameraman, Fadel Shana'a as well the injuring of dozens of innocent citizens so far.

President called on Israeli government to stop the aggression against the Palestinian people immediately and spare the Gaza Strip further acts of mass murder and destruction and the fall of more victims.

President also called on all parties to cooperate with the Egyptian efforts to reach an agreement on calm to halt the bloody cycle of violence and everyone commits to a comprehensive and mutual cease-fire.