Sharon declares war on Palestinian resistance

1/16/2005 4:55:00 PM GMT

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has given his troops a free hand to launch a crackdown on Palestinian resistance fighters.

Sharon’s announcement comes only a week after electing PLO chairman Mahmoud Abbas as the new Palestinian President.

"Despite the change in Palestinian leadership, we have yet to see them taking any action against terror," Sharon said on Sunday.

"The Israeli military and security apparatus have been instructed to take any action needed

“These instructions will remain valid as long as the Palestinians fail to lift even a single finger."

On the other hand, Cabinet members from the Labour party, expressed support for Sharon's decision.

"[Mr Abbas] has clearly said that he is opposed to terrorism but now his words must be translated into action," said Interior Minister Ophir Pines.

"He must prove his determination to confront the terrorists."

Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath condemned Sharon's announcement.

"At the same time that Abu Mazen says he will work hard to return to the peace track, Sharon declares a military escalation," he said, refering to the newly elected Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas.

On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon decided to cut all ties with Mahmoud Abbas until the newly elected Palestinian President ends the armed resistance.

Sharon ordered all government officials to cut all contacts with Abbas, Three Israeli television channels reported.

Also Assaf Shariv, a spokesman for Sharon's office, said that "Israel informed international leaders today that there will be no meetings with Abbas until he makes a real effort to stop the terror,"

Shariv added that Israel informed officials from the United States, the European Union, Britain and the Palestinian Authority.

Palestinian Cabinet Minister, Saeb Erekat, also confirmed that the Israelis told him they were ceasing all contact with the Palestinian Authority.