JERUSALEM-Intense diplomatic efforts are under way to try to secure a ceasefire in Gaza as the Israeli ground assault against Hamas militants rolls on.
A European Union delegation hoping to re-establish a cease-fire between Israel and Gaza headed to the region Sunday, eight days after Israel began a military assault on Gaza following months of rocket fire from Palestinians.
The European Union team was expected to arrive in Egypt on Sunday before continuing to Israel and the Palestinian territories on Monday.
French President Sarkozy is heading to the Middle East to try to persuade Israeli and Arab leaders to agree to a 48-hour humanitarian truce.
The Russian Foreign Ministry also sent a representative to the Middle East on Sunday.
A separate, high-profile EU delegation and a Russian envoy are already there.Reports suggest Israel's ground assault on Gaza took a new turn overnight with tanks entering the south of the strip.
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is already in Jerusalem to meet the Israel andfPalestine leaders
A Hamas delegation is scheduled to travel to Cairo on Monday for talks with Arab leaders, according to Dubai-based news channel Al-Arabiya.
In a written statement, Ban also said the U.N. was pressing Israeli authorities to open up border crossings into Gaza "to allow in ... wheat grain and fuel for the power plant, as well as other essential supplies."
EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said it was vital to get food and medical supplies into Gaza to ensure hospitals were able to function. "
The EU said Sunday the rocket attacks did not justify Israel's incursion.
Sunday saw big street protests against Israel's action in major cities of mainly Muslim countries with thousands gathering in Istanbul, Rabat and Beirut.
Source: CNN.COM
A European Union delegation hoping to re-establish a cease-fire between Israel and Gaza headed to the region Sunday, eight days after Israel began a military assault on Gaza following months of rocket fire from Palestinians.
The European Union team was expected to arrive in Egypt on Sunday before continuing to Israel and the Palestinian territories on Monday.
French President Sarkozy is heading to the Middle East to try to persuade Israeli and Arab leaders to agree to a 48-hour humanitarian truce.
The Russian Foreign Ministry also sent a representative to the Middle East on Sunday.
A separate, high-profile EU delegation and a Russian envoy are already there.Reports suggest Israel's ground assault on Gaza took a new turn overnight with tanks entering the south of the strip.
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is already in Jerusalem to meet the Israel andfPalestine leaders
A Hamas delegation is scheduled to travel to Cairo on Monday for talks with Arab leaders, according to Dubai-based news channel Al-Arabiya.
In a written statement, Ban also said the U.N. was pressing Israeli authorities to open up border crossings into Gaza "to allow in ... wheat grain and fuel for the power plant, as well as other essential supplies."
EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said it was vital to get food and medical supplies into Gaza to ensure hospitals were able to function. "
The EU said Sunday the rocket attacks did not justify Israel's incursion.
Sunday saw big street protests against Israel's action in major cities of mainly Muslim countries with thousands gathering in Istanbul, Rabat and Beirut.
Source: CNN.COM
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