Powell criticizes Israeli action in Gaza

US Secretary of State Colin Powell on Wednesday criticized Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip that have left 30 Palestinians killed within two days.

"The activities of the Israeli defense forces in Gaza in recent days have caused a problem and have worsened the situation," Powell said at a news conference.

Israel's actions in Gaza have made it more difficult for the United States to move the peace process ahead, he said.

He said, "Israel has explained it was not a planned act. Nevertheless, it does not assist us in trying to move forward."

Meanwhile, White House spokesman Scott McClellan said on Wednesday that the United States had asked Israel for an explanation over the heavy Palestinian casualties caused by its massive military operation in the Gaza Strip.

"We have asked for an explanation from the government of Israel.We want to know what has happened or what happened, how this happened. We have been told that Israel is investigating, and we expect to receive an explanation as soon as that investigation is completed," McClellan said.

However, McClellan chose not to condemn Israel, a key US ally in the Middle East, and only urged the Jewish state "to keep in mind the consequences of their actions."

Israel faced worldwide condemnation over its military operationin the Gaza Strip as another 10 Palestinians were killed Wednesdaywhen Israel opened fire on a demonstration in the area of Rafah refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip.

As many as 20 Palestinians were killed on Tuesday in Israel's Operation Rainbow, the largest Israeli incursion into the Gaza Strip since the Palestinian uprising began nearly four years ago.

Source: Xinhua