INSTANT VIEW - Israeli troops launch ground attack in Gaza

LONDON (Reuters) - Israel launched a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip on Saturday after a week-long air campaign against Hamas over the firing of rockets into the Jewish state.

The Palestinian death toll, before tanks moved in, reached nearly 450. Gaza rocket attacks have killed four Israelis.

Following are comments from politicians and commentators:

MAJOR AVITAL LEIBOVITCH, ISRAELI MILITARY SPOKESWOMAN:

"The objective is to destroy the Hamas terror infrastructure in the area of operations."

HAMAS OFFICIAL ISMAIL RADWAN:

"We have prepared the statement of victory for you (Palestinians) ... and you will see it soon."

Addressing Israeli soldiers, he said: "Gaza will not be a picnic. Gaza will be a graveyard for you."

ABU UBAIDA, HAMAS'S ARMED WING SPOKESMAN:

"The Zionist enemy must know his battle in Gaza is a losing one."

WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN GORDON JOHNDROE:

"President (George W.) Bush was briefed this afternoon on the current situation in Gaza and the actions of the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)." "U.S. officials have been in regular contact with the Israelis as well as officials from countries in the region and Europe."

STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SEAN MCCORMACK

The U.S. State Department said it had told Israel's government that military action must be "mindful of the potential consequences to civilians."

Washington is "deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation" in Gaza, but said Hamas holds the people of Gaza hostage.

"It is obvious that that cease-fire should take place as soon as possible, but we need a cease-fire that is durable, sustainable, and not time limited."

U.N. SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN KI-MOON:

In a telephone call with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Ban conveyed his "extreme concerns and disappointment," and asked that Israel ensure the safety of civilians and allow humanitarian assistance to reach those in need.

He urged regional and international partners to "exert all possible influence to bring about an immediate end to the bloodshed and suffering."

BROOKE ANDERSON, OBAMA'S NATIONAL SECURITY SPOKESWOMAN:

"The President-elect is closely monitoring global events, including the situation in Gaza. There is one president at a time, and we intend to respect that."

CZECH EU PRESIDENCY SPOKESMAN JIRI POTUZNIK:

"At the moment, from the perspective of the last days, we understand this step as a defensive, not offensive, action."

CZECH FOREIGN MINISTER KAREL SCHWARZENBERG:

"But even the undisputable right of the state to defend itself does not allow actions which largely affect civilians."

SAEB EREKAT, AIDE TO PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT:

"This is a vicious aggression against our people. The international community cannot stand silent... This position (by the European Union's Czech presidency) deserves condemnation."

FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTRY:

"France condemns the Israeli ground offensive against Gaza as it condemns the continuation of rocket firing."

"This dangerous military escalation complicates efforts by the international community and in particular the European Union and France, the members of the Quartet and the states in the region to end the fighting, bring immediate aid to civilians and reach a permanent cease-fire."

BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY DAVID MILIBAND:

"Unfolding events show the urgent need for the immediate cease-fire that we have called for. The escalation of the conflict will cause alarm and dismay. Intensive diplomatic efforts to find a solution continue."

(Writing by Sami Aboudi; editing by Elizabeth Piper)