US presses for release of Israeli soldier

The Bush administration declined to condemn Israel for knocking out electricity and water supplies for most residents of the Gaza Strip in response to the kidnapping of one of its soldiers by Hamas-affiliated militants.

Instead, White House press secretary Tony Snow urged Hamas to release the soldier and urged Israel not to harm innocent civilians.

“The hostage-taking and the attacks by Hamas last weekend have precipitated the current events in Gaza,” Snow said.

“Israel has the right to defend itself and the lives of its citizens. ... Let’s just point out, once again, you have the Israeli forces trying to reclaim somebody who was kidnapped and is being held hostage in Gaza.

And they are doing what they can to return him,” said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack.

He said Rice spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni today, and has also spoken with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

He urged Israel not to harm innocent civilians.