Israel continues with three air strikes on Gaza border with Egypt

Israel continued with three air strikes on Gaza border with Egypt early today. Israel stopped trucks carrying food supplies in Rafah border crossing.

Israeli attacks has strained a fragile ceasefire during the tour of the US Middle East envoy George Mitchell. "It is of critical importance that the ceasefire be extended and consolidated," Mitchell said after meeting Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak on the first leg of his Middle East tour.

Israel yesterday carried fresh air strikes on southern Gaza Strip and launched an incursion with tanks and bulldozers across the border. Following the border attack, a Palestinian farmer was killed by Israeli tank fire and a Palestinian was killed in the air strike while riding his motorcycle, Palestinian Health Ministry officials said.

Israel sealed the crossings into Gaza, barring entrance to some 200 trucks carrying humanitarian aid. Heavy fighting took place near Khan Younis.

Hamas Government Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh urged Israel to lift the siege on Gaza in a written statement to journalists.

"I am certain that rebuilding what was destroyed necessitates the lifting of the siege and the reopening of the crossings," he said.

Meantime, calls are being made for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to bring to justice the Israeli leaders for war crimes perpetrated in Gaza.