Sun Jul 17, 2005 12:32 AM ET
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JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel could launch a ground offensive in the occupied Gaza Strip "within hours" unless the Palestinian Authority cracks down on Islamic militants there, a senior government official was quoted as saying on Sunday.
Israel Radio quoted Deputy Defense Minister Zeev Boim as saying tanks and troops that massed near Gaza over the weekend would begin a sweep of the coastal strip "within hours" if Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas failed to meet the crackdown demand.
Abbas urged Hamas and kindred Islamic militants on Saturday to halt attacks on Israel and return to a ceasefire seen as key to securing an orderly Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as planned next month. He also blamed Israel for the truce's near collapse.
The Palestinian president's appeals came amid escalating violence and vows of revenge by Hamas over the killing of seven of its gunmen in Israeli strikes.
Calm in Gaza is seen as key to securing an orderly Israeli withdrawal from the territory next month as planned.
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who ordered military actions against militants stepped up after a Palestinian suicide bombing and a rocket attack killed six Israelis last week, has vowed not to withdraw from Gaza under fire.
Israeli officials have said the army might carry out wide-scale raids and reoccupy Palestinian areas near the 21 Jewish settlements to be evacuated.
© Reuters 2005. All Rights Reserved.
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