Photo dated on July 10, 2006 shows Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert answers questions. Omert said Israel has no policy of trying to topple the Hamas-led Palestinian government despite its arrest of dozens of Hamas officials and its latest military offensive. (Reuters Photo)

    Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has been defending his country's offensive in Gaza, amid international complaints of excessive force. The Jewish state continued its military actions in the Gaza strip for the thirteenth day on Monday.

    Omert said Israel has no policy of trying to topple the Hamas-led Palestinian government despite its arrest of dozens of Hamas officials and its latest military offensive.

    But, he said whoever is involved in inflicting terror on the Israeli people would have to pay for it.

    He also rejected international criticism, especially from the European Union, of Israel's offensive in Gaza.

    Ehud Olmert said: "I don't know any democratic government in the world- one, one-those who support us and those who preach to us, that would have sat and done nothing when a thousand missiles are shot at their innocent civilians in the heart of the country."

    Israeli forces launched their offensive after Palestinian gunmen abducted Corporal Gilad Shalit in a raid into Israel on June 25.

    Israel has rejected calls for a prisoners swap for the release of the captured soldier.

    On Sunday, Olmert also rebuffed the possibility of a truce raised by Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

    A Fatah official said the military attacks undermine efforts to end the standoff peacefully, and civilians are paying the price.

    Saeb Erekat, Fatah Official & Chief Negotiator said: "Gaza is without food, without fuel, without water, without electricity-Gaza is going down the drain with 1.3 million people towards a human catastrophe that may include the spread of diseases."

    The latest violence in the Gaza Strip has so far killed about 50 people, including 20 Palestinian civilians.

    (Source: CCTV.com)