Special report: Palestine-Israel Relations    

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert delivers a statement to the media at his official residence in Jerusalem, Israel, July 30, 2008. Olmert said on Wednesday he would resign after his ruling Kadima party chooses a new leader in a September 17 internal election. (Xinhua/GPO) Photo Gallery>>>

    GAZA, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) welcomed on Thursday the decision of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to quit his ruling party and the political life in Israel on September.

    Hamas spokesman in Gaza Sami Abu Zuhri told reporters that Olmert's decision to retire "is a victory for Hamas movement and an indication for the deterioration of the political life in Israel."

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert leaves after giving a statement at his official residence in Jerusalem, Israel, July 30, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (Holy War) movement's website "Paltoday" said that Olmert decision to retire is an achievement of Hezbollah war and the Palestinian rockets attacks on Israel."

    Meanwhile, Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat, who is in Washington, told Voice of Palestine "Radio" in an interview that "regardless of the changes in Israel, the Palestinians will continue efforts to reach a peace deal with Israel."

    "We had repeatedly reiterated that the internal situation in Israel is reflected on the Palestinians by blood, bullets, assassinations and expansion of settlements," said Erekat.

    He added that the Palestinian Authority considers the political developments in Israel as "an internal Israeli affair, but it should not be reflected on the Palestinians and the peace process."

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert delivers a statement to the media at his official residence in Jerusalem, Israel, July 30, 2008. Ehud Olmert said Wednesday he has decided not to contend in his ruling Kadima primary and would resign as soon as a new party leader was chosen, drawing different reactions from various sides, including major Israeli parties, Washington and the Palestinians.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

Olmert to seek peace deal with Palestinians before leaving office

   JERUSALEM, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will try to reach an agreement in peace talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas before a new government takes office, local daily Ha'aretz reported Thursday on its website, citing an official close to the prime minister. Full story

Olmert's announcement to resign after Kadima primary draws different reactions 

  JERUSALEM, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Wednesday he has decided not to contend in his ruling Kadima primary and would resign as soon as a new party leader was chosen, drawing different reactions from various sides, including major Israeli parties, Washington and the Palestinians. Full story