Abbas condemns Israeli "massacre" in northern Gaza Strip

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday vehemently condemned Israeli troops for their " massacre" against Palestinians in northern Gaza Strip earlier in the day.

Abbas made the condemnation after Israeli soldiers reportedly shot and killed at least six Palestinians and wounded 20 others while operating in the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanoun on Monday morning.

In his remarks, the Palestinian president considered what happened in Beit Hanoun as a "dreadful crime" against the Palestinians at the first day of the Lesser Bairam, or Eid A-Fitr marking the end of Muslims holy month of Ramadan.

He called for an immediate halt for Israeli aggressions and urged the international community to promptly intervene to prevent any further deterioration in the situation.

Israel has launched a widespread military campaign in Gaza since June 25 when Palestinian militant groups captured an Israeli soldier Cpl. Gilad Shalit.

The offensive has been expanded to target Palestinian militants ' rocket-launching operations and weapons-smuggling tunnels.

Source: Xinhua