Special Report: New clash between Israeli, Lebanese troops¡¡

Special report: Israel launches Gaza assault ¡¡

    RAMALLAH, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas sent an urgent letter on Sunday to the current G8 summit in Saint Petersburg, Russia, calling for interference in Israeli military escalation in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.

    Abdullah Abdullah, a lawmaker from Abbas' Fatah movement, told reporters that the letter reminded the world powers of their responsibilities for global peace and security.

    "There is no sign of true regional or international reaction to the Israeli escalation. What we really need is a joint Arab stance as an outlet from the current crisis," Andullah said.

He warned of deterioration in Lebanon and Palestinian territories if the international community stands by.

He also blamed the U.S. for encouraging Israel to continue its appalling crimes and violate the international laws.

    The United States vetoed an Arab draft UN Security Council resolution demanding Israel halt its military operations in the Gaza Strip.

    Following the Israeli offensive into the Gaza Strip on June 28, Israeli army launched land, air and sea assault on Lebanon on Wednesday in response to the capture of two Israeli soldiers by Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah. Enditem