The head of Hamas' government in Gaza, Ismail Haniya, made a direct appeal to Western readers on Thursday to press for an end to Israel's military offensive, as he spelled out his conditions for a ceasefire.

Writing in the Independent, Haniya said his Islamist movement would accept a ceasefire under 'clear and simple' conditions - the lifting of the blockades on Gaza, the opening of the crossings and Israel's complete withdrawal.