Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, addressing a presidential conference in Jerusalem, said Wednesday evening  that his government was committed to stopping the rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip, hours after a Katyusha rocket slammed into an Ashkelon shopping mall, wounding scores of Israelis.

In his speech, Olmert praised U.S. President George W. Bush, who spoke directly after him, saying "he is a great leader, a great friend, a source of inspiration and we are very proud that we can celebrate the 60th anniversary of the state of Israel with you and your wife here in our eternal capital, Jerusalem."

"Our core beliefs, our founding values and our aspirations are all drawn from the same inspirations. With full confidence I say that the U.S. under your leadership represents the pinnacle of this friendship," he added.

Earlier, medical sources said four of the injured were in serious condition and two were in moderate condition. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command said its fighters launched the rocket.

© 2008 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)