EU envoy voices hope for solving Gaza standoff soon

EU Middle East envoy Marc Otte voiced hope on Friday for soon solving the current standoff in Gaza over the abduction of an Israeli soldier by Palestinian militants.

"We hope that the developments in the next few hours and days will allow a lifting of the (Israeli) siege and allow the two sides to talk without the language of weapons," Otte said after a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Gaza City.

The EU envoy described his talks with Abbas as "positive", adding that diplomatic efforts were under way in a bid to solve the Gaza crisis.

Mohamed Dahlan, Abbas' close ally who also attended the meeting, told reporters that he hoped a solution would be reached in coming days.

"Abbas has been seeking the help of the international community to pressure Israel to halt its offensive in Gaza," he added.

The Israeli army crossed the border and intruded into the southern Gaza Strip on early Wednesday in a broad ground operation to rescue the Israeli soldier kidnapped by Palestinian militants during a cross-border raid on Sunday.

It is the first massive Israeli ground offensive in Gaza since Israel withdrew troops and settlers from it last summer after 38 years of occupation.

The Israeli army has delayed entering the northern Gaza Strip, a move which analysts said is aimed to give more time for mediation.

Source: Xinhua