Criticism of Israeli occupation mounts

International criticism of Israel is growing as casualties mount in Palestinian areas occupied by the Israeli army.

International criticism of Israel is growing as casualties mount in Palestinian areas occupied by the Israeli army.

The Israeli ambassadors to France and Denmark were summoned for talks over the occupation, and the Spanish foreign minister said the EU would consider sanctions on Israel if it continued its assaults.

The Danish government summoned Israel's ambassador to protest the Israeli army's attacks into Palestinian areas. Danish foreign minister Mr Per Stig Moeller said Israel had "totally overstepped the limits" in its 11-day-old military operations against the Palestinians.

"They say they are hunting terrorists, but they appear to be making the whole civilian population pay the price for it," Mr Moeller said.

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"Even in war there are rules to be obeyed and according to information in the media and from humanitarian organisations, Israel's behaviour is unacceptable and we must say this openly," he said.

The foreign ministry summoned Israeli ambassador Mr Carmi Gillon early today to express the concern of the conservative government that came to power in November and has stressed its balanced approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

French president Mr Jacques Chirac also summoned the Israeli ambassador to France for talks today.

A statement said Mr Chirac will speak to the Israeli ambassador, Mr Elie Barnavi, and Palestinian representative Leila Shahid.