Britain said Monday that Israel was "entitled to its security" but called for a return to the peace process after Israeli helicopter raids pounded sites near Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's Gaza headquarters.
A Foreign Office spokesman told AFP: "We have always said that Israel is entitled to its security,” but added: "We cannot comment on specifics while events in the Gaza Strip are unfolding."
A spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said the air raid which destroyed a helicopter pad and two helicopters was a signal to Arafat to step up the fight against extremists.
It followed a spate of suicide attacks by Palestinians at the weekend in Jerusalem and Haifa which killed 26 Israelis.
The Foreign Office spokesman added: "The attacks at the weekend were abhorrent. We regret all violence. In the end, the peace process is the only way to stop the violence.” -- LONDON (AFP)
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