'Israel has right to protection'
2009-01-05 22:20
Washington - President George W Bush says he understands "Israel's desire to protect itself", offering his first public comments about the US ally's massive ground invasion into Gaza.
Israel has moved tanks and troops into Gaza to target Hamas militants.
From the White House, Bush said on Monday that Israel has the right to defend itself against rocket attacks by the militant group Hamas.
The president said he is still hopeful there will be a cease-fire, calling that a noble ambition.
But he said no peace deal will work unless it forces Hamas to stop its attacks.
- AP