Palestinian, Israeli leaders blame each other

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas is appealing to militant groups to halt attacks on Israel and to return to the 5-month-old cease-fire deal.

Abbas spoke amid a new wave of violence that left the truce deal in tatters.

Throughout Saturday, Hamas militants launched mortar shells and homemade rockets against Israeli targets for the third straight day.

Abbas called on the militants to respect their previous agreement to honour the truce, but blamed Israel for the recent outbreak of attacks.

"We hold the Israeli government fully responsible for the consequences of its policy, which reflects a step backward from what we had achieved and sabotaged any chance to maintain the truce. No one could expect the continuation of the truce from one side."

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon blamed Abbas for failing to take serious steps until very recently to curb attacks against Israelis.

"I've known Abu Mazzen for a long time. I'm sure he understands the risk in terror. This is one side of the issue. From the other side, I don't see him, until today, taking serious steps against terror."

Source: CRI/agencies