Jerusalem, July 30 (IANS) Senior Israeli officials Tuesday denied US Secretary of State John Kerry's claim that Israel had requested the US to extend a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. "Kerry was the one who brought up the option of a ceasefire to (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu, and **t the other way around," Xinhua quoted unnamed officials as saying. "Netanyahu told Kerry that currently the continuation of the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) operation is necessary for Israel to protect its citizens and neutralise the underground terror tunnels," they added. "The prime minister said the operation will continue as long the operation to neutralise the tunnels is ongoing." Kerry said at a press conference earlier Tuesday that Israel was the one asking the US to help facilitate a humanitarian ceasefire with Hamas, as the conflict in the Gaza Strip entered the 22nd day.
07-30-2014, 11:44 AM
'Israel did **t request US for ceasefire in Gaza'
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