Blair meets Peres in Jerusalem as Gaza air strikes continue
- 12 years ago
Diplomatic talks aimed at ending the violence in Gaza were getting under way in Jerusalem.
On Monday former British Prime Minister and Middle East Quartet envoy Tony Blair met with Israeli President Shimon Peres at the Presidential Palace.
Blair said he hopes the crisis can soon be resolved.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) FORMER BRITISH PRIME MINISTER AND MIDDLE EAST QUARTET ENVOY TONY BLAIR SAYING:
"I very much hope that over the coming days we can achieve cessation on a basis that is sustainable, on a basis that stops the threat of missiles coming from Gaza targeted Israeli civilians and also then relieves the people of Gaza who also suffered of course."
Peres said Israel's only aim is to stop incoming rocket fire from Gaza.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) ISRAELI PRESIDENT SHIMON PERES SAYING:
"I think this time Israel is clear that we don't have any ambitions to conquer land or to gain any advantages but really to stop the fire."
Over 85 people have been killed in Israel's assault on Gaza since last Wednesday, while three Israelis died when a rocket fired from Gaza hit an apartment building in Israel.
On Monday former British Prime Minister and Middle East Quartet envoy Tony Blair met with Israeli President Shimon Peres at the Presidential Palace.
Blair said he hopes the crisis can soon be resolved.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) FORMER BRITISH PRIME MINISTER AND MIDDLE EAST QUARTET ENVOY TONY BLAIR SAYING:
"I very much hope that over the coming days we can achieve cessation on a basis that is sustainable, on a basis that stops the threat of missiles coming from Gaza targeted Israeli civilians and also then relieves the people of Gaza who also suffered of course."
Peres said Israel's only aim is to stop incoming rocket fire from Gaza.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) ISRAELI PRESIDENT SHIMON PERES SAYING:
"I think this time Israel is clear that we don't have any ambitions to conquer land or to gain any advantages but really to stop the fire."
Over 85 people have been killed in Israel's assault on Gaza since last Wednesday, while three Israelis died when a rocket fired from Gaza hit an apartment building in Israel.