In Israel and the Occupied Territories, Israel is continuing its latest assault on the Gaza Strip, while Palestinian militants intensify rocket fire on Israeli towns. Three Palestinian civilians, including a thirteen-year-old were killed Wednesday when an Israeli missile hit their car. Israel called the attack an “error” and said it was targeting militants. The killings came one day after nineteen Palestinians lost their lives — the highest single-day Palestinian death toll in more than a year. Meanwhile, Palestinian rockets continue to hit nearby Israeli towns. Israel says eighteen rockets landed in Israel today, causing two slight injuries. Israel has continued attacks on Gaza after rejecting a truce offer from Hamas last month. Speaking from Syria, Hamas political leader Khaled Meshaal said Israel was sabotaging any chances of a ceasefire.

Khaled Meshaal: “What you are doing will prevent you from any movement you may bet on. No exchange involving Gilad Shalit and no ceasefire. This Palestinian blood will shorten the life of Israel and will not bring you security or
peace. There is no peace with killers and no security with criminals.”

The Gaza attacks also come just days after President Bush visited the region to promote U.S.-backed talks. Earlier today, Palestinian Authority negotiator Saeb Erekat said negotiations with Israel are pointless so long as the assault on Gaza continues. Meanwhile, President Bush was in Egypt Wednesday to conclude his Middle East tour. Despite okaying the continued Israeli raids on Gaza and expanded settlements in the West Bank, Bush said the world should be encouraged at the prospects for peace because he is optimistic.

President Bush: “When I say I’m coming back to stay engaged, I mean it. And when I say I’m optimistic we can get a deal done, I mean what I’m saying.”

Bush’s trip to Egypt lasted just four hours. Hundreds of Egyptian lawyers gathered in Cairo to protest his visit. The Washington Post reports of growing resentment from Arab pro-democracy activists who say Bush has abandoned previous rhetorical promises to support democracy efforts in the Middle East. Bush made no public criticism of Saudi Arabia or Egypt’s crackdown on dissidents during his trip.