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White House blames Hamas for new Mideast violence

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-12-30 00:11

CRAWFORD – The Bush administration has called again for a "sustainable cease-fire" in the Mideast and demands that Hamas stop its attacks on Israel.

Spokesman Gordon Johndroe told reporters in Texas that President Bush had a detailed briefing early Monday by video conferencing with Vice President Dick Cheney, White House chief of staff Josh Bolten and national security adviser Stephen Hadley.

Johndroe blamed the militant Hamas organization for the latest wave in violence, saying that it broke a six-month cease-fire agreement. He said that Hamas has "shown its true colors as a terrorist organization."

At the same time, he said the United States has asked Israel to avoid civilian casualties in Gaza.