The story
World leaders offered a range of reactions to the Israeli ground offensive launched Saturday in Gaza.
Israeli Defense Minister and former Prime Minister Ehud Barak
"We have carefully weighed all our options. We are not war-hungry, but we shall not -- I repeat -- we shall not allow a situation where our towns, villages and civilians are constantly targeted by Hamas. It will not be easy or short, but we are determined."
Abu Thaer, spokesman for the Fatah party's al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades
"We will rub their noses in the sand. To the Arabs of 1948, today it is the time to act, to carry martyrdom operations in the heart of Israel. In case they really get in on the ground, they will be taught a lesson that they will never forget. The Israeli army is the loser from ground operations in Gaza." 
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