Condi Rice Accuses Hamas of Holding Gazans Hostage

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has accused Hamas of holding the people of Gaza hostage, noting that only the small militant group and a small portion of the overall population of the region is openly hostile to Israel. "Hamas has held the people of Gaza hostage ever since their illegal coup against the forces of (Palestinian Authority) President Mahmoud Abbas," she said. The secretary of stated also noted that Hamas "has used Gaza as a launching pad" for waging war on Israel, resulting in what is essentially "a very bad daily life" for the people of Gaza.

Rice also noted that she and the outgoing Bush administration are working toward effecting change in the region, which would start with the cease-fire. Noted Rice, "We are working toward a cease-fire that would not allow a re-establishment of the status quo ante, where Hamas could launch rockets. It's obvious that a cease-fire should take place as soon as possible but we want a cease-fire that is durable and sustainable." Rice also noted, however, that any agreement would hinge almost entirely on Hamas agreeing to stop firing rockets into Israel immediately.

Elsewhere within the Bush administration, Israel’s actions were defended. Gordon Johndroe, a deputy White House press secretary, noted that, "Israel had to take actions, and you’re seeing that now." He went on to say, however, that there is heavy concern among the administration that civilian casualties will be high. Said Johndroe, "What we have talked to the Israelis about is the need to be mindful that any of the actions that they’re taking in Gaza avoid unnecessary civilian casualties and also help to control the flow of humanitarian aid."