Arab League accuses Israel of 'blocking' Gaza peace efforts

Arab League Chief Nabil al-Arabi accused Israel on Wednesday of "blocking" all attempts to end the Gaza conflict, a day after the collapse of a ceasefire in the Palestinian territory.
"Israel is blocking any kind of agreement leading to calm" in the Gaza Strip, Arabi told journalists, Ahram Online reported.
"The Arab League wants to reach a permanent truce as soon as possible," he said before flying off to Geneva for a meeting with the International Committee of the Red Cross to demand protection of Palestinian civilians.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday morning, Egypt's foreign ministry expressed "deep regret" over the resumption of armed confrontations between Palestinian factions and Israel in the warn-torn Gaza Strip.
Cairo warned that the new clashes will definitely lead to more casualties and injuries among innocent civilians.
"Eight days of calm under an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire exploded into violence late Tuesday as Israeli warplanes pounded Gaza.
More than 2,030 Palestinians have been killed since July 8 when the Israeli assault on Palestine started.