WORLD> Middle East
Israeli leaders reject immediate Gaza truce
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-12-31 16:11

JERUSALEM -- Israeli officials say the country has decided to reject an immediate 48-hour pause in a devastating five-day offensive against Hamas in Gaza.

An Israeli soldier is seen at a staging area near Israel's border with the Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2008. Israeli leaders decided to reject an immediate 48-hour pause in fighting and push ahead with the devastating air offensive against Hamas, sending jets and assault helicopters to pound targets Wednesday through pouring rain as the Gaza Strip entered its fifth day of battle. [Agencies]

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Israel's leaders are facing growing international pressure to halt the assault. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert discussed a cease-fire proposal floated by France's foreign minister with his foreign and defense ministers overnight.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the meeting's contents were classified.

The officials say the meeting ended with a decision to continue operations. A top forum of Cabinet ministers entrusted with security matters will discuss the continuation of the offensive Wednesday.

Israeli jets and assault helicopters continued to pound targets Wednesday through pouring rain as the Gaza Strip entered its fifth day of battle.