– Israel Goes on the Offensive

Israel vows 'extreme steps' in Gaza crisis
ITV

Israel has vowed "extreme steps" against the Hamas-led Palestinian government if the release of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit is not secured.

In Israel's first ground offensive in the Gaza Strip since leaving the territory last year, tanks have started firing shells across the border. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert warned the operation would continue "over the coming days".

Tanks and infantry, backed by assault helicopters and artillery, set up a strategic observation post at a disused airport outside the southern town of Rafah as masked gunmen waited behind barricades and in alleyways for battle to begin.

And it has been revealed an Israeli warplane flew over the Syrian President's palace in a warning to Syria not to support the Palestinian militants who abducted Corporal Gilad Shalit. He was seized in a pre-dawn raid on a border crossing last weekend.

The Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has accused Israel of worsening the crisis by sending tanks into the Gaza Strip. He called the bombardment of civilian infrastructure "a crime against humanity".

But the White House has backed Israel's offensive saying it has the right to defend itself. A spokesman said: "The hostage taking and attacks by Hamas last weekend have precipitated the current events in Gaza."

He added: "As we have said since the attack, Hamas should release the kidnapped Israeli soldier immediately. It is the responsibility of the Palestinian Authority to stop all incidents of violence and terror. "

The Israeli strikes came amid intensive diplomatic efforts in the Arab world and by the United Nations.