Rockets fly as Bush visits Israel

Calcutta News.Net
Wednesday 14th May, 2008

US President George Bush has met Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in Jerusalem, as part of the celebrations of Israel's sixtieth birthday.

On what is likely to be his last trip to Israel as President, Mr Bush spoke of his hopes for peace in the region and referred to the Jewish state as America’s "best friend".

Bush called Israel's founding a "marvellous story" during which Jews "never lost sight of Jerusalem".

Mr Bush has set a goal of reaching a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians before he leaves office in January but continuing violence has left many on both sides pessimistic.

Soon after the President arrived, a rocket fired from Gaza hit an Israeli shopping mall, injuring more than a dozen people.

His host, Ehud Olmert warned afterwards that tougher measures would follow if Hamas failed to stop its constant rocket attacks on Israel.

The Palestinians have responded to Israel's 60-year celebrations with various counter measures.

On Wednesday, they held demonstrations in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip with more demonstrations planned.

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