Olmert Rejects "Unworkable" UN Gaza Truce Resolution

"Israeli" Prime Minister Ehud Olmert rejected a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza as "unworkable" and, noting Palestinian resistance fighters fired rockets at the occupied territories on Friday, said the army would go on defending "Israelis".

"The firing of rockets this morning only goes to show that the UN decision is unworkable and will not be adhered to by the murderous Palestinian organizations," he said in a statement.

Hours after the Security Council passed Resolution 1860 calling for an immediate cease-fire in "Israel's" offensive in Gaza, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said Friday that "Israel" would continue to act only in its interests and according to its own security needs.

"'Israel' has acted, is acting and will act only according to its considerations, the security needs of its 'citizens' (occupation settlers) and its right to self-defense," a statement said. It made no direct reference to how "Israel" would treat the call for a ceasefire.

Livni, along with Olmert and "Israeli" War Minister Ehud Barak, convened in session on Friday to discuss the Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cessation of violence and their next moves in the offensive.

The UN resolution, drafted by Western powers, "stresses the urgency of and calls for an immediate, durable and fully respected cease-fire, leading to the full withdrawal of 'Israeli' forces from Gaza."

It also called for arrangements in Gaza to prevent arms smuggling and reopen crossings, and for "unimpeded provision" and distribution of aid in Gaza, where almost 800 Palestinians, including over 260 children, have been killed.

The resolution was passed by a majority vote of 14-0. The United States abstained, saying it was interested in looking at alternative drafts, but voiced support for the objectives of the resolution.

Osama Hamdan, a Hamas envoy to Lebanon, said that the group is not interested in the resolution because it does neither meet the demands of the Palestinians nor the resistance movement.