The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, Jerusalem

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Sunday ruled out cease-fire talks with Hamas, calling Israel's battle against the Islamic militant group that controls the Gaza Strip a "true war."

The Israeli army has been battling Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza that frequently fire rockets into southern Israel. The army appears to have made substantial gains in recent weeks, and Olmert told his Cabinet that there are no plans to slow down.

"Operations against terrorists will continue as they have been conducted for many months," Olmert said. "There is no other way to describe what is happening in the Gaza Strip except as a true war between the Israeli army and terror groups."

"This war will continue," he said, adding that Israel would continue to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza to protect the area's civilians.