Olmert: Operation Cast Lead still a go

JERUSALEM, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Friday his country's military operations in Gaza will move forward despite calls for a truce in the Gaza Strip.

Olmert said despite calls for a truce from the United Nations and Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Israel will continue Operation Cast Lead, Ynetnews reported.

A series of rocket attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip Friday morning indicated a proposed U.N. Security Council ceasefire resolution would not be honored.

"The rocket attacks this morning on the residents of the south only prove that the U.N.'s resolution is not practical and will not be upheld by the Palestinian murder organizations," Olmert said after a Cabinet meeting Friday.

"Israel has never allowed any outside source to determine its right to defend its citizens. The IDF will continue to act to defend the citizens of Israel and carry out the missions laid before it in the operation," the prime minister said, referring to the Israel Defense Forces.