Bush says Israel has the right to defend itself

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - President George W. Bush said Monday he understands "Israel's desire to protect itself," offering his first public comments about the U.S. ally's massive ground invasion into Gaza.

Israel has moved tanks and troops into Gaza to target Hamas militants. From the Oval Office, Bush said that Israel has the right to defend itself against rocket attacks by Hamas.

The president said he is still hopeful there will be a cease-fire, which he described as a noble ambition. But he said no peace deal would work unless it forced Hamas to stop its attacks.



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