Prime Minister Ehud Olmert spoke this afternoon, with Austrian Federal Chancellor Wolfgang Schussel, who telephoned in order to congratulate him on his victory in the recent elections and on his success in forming a government.

Prime Minister Olmert said that the international community must continue to uphold its principles and refrain from dealing with Hamas.  He added that Israel was very sensitive to the Palestinian population's humanitarian situation, especially regarding health, and would do its utmost to assist in stopping the deterioration.