Hamas appeals to Arab world

Gaza-based Palestinian government Hamas called on the Arab world to force Israel to stop violent attacks against residential areas of Gaza Strip which have left over 40 people dead and 80 wounded since January 16.

The Hamas foreign minister demanded that Egypt open its border with Gaza to allow in supplies.

Mahmoud Zahar said in a televised speech, "We are asking Arab and Muslim nations not to leave the Palestinians alone to face the US and Israeli state terrorism."

Sixty empty fuel trucks lined up along the Gaza-Egypt border by gas station owners who demanded that Egypt and Israel lift the siege.

Also in Rafah border, hundreds of people staged a march, including doctors in white uniforms, Hamas lawmakers and drivers with their ambulances.

"Why are Arab countries accomplices to this embargo?" asked a protester Marwan Abu Ras, a Hamas lawmaker.