In Gaza, at least 73 people–all but three were Palestinians — have now been killed during the five day Israeli assault. Yesterday Israeli forces killed 10 Palestinians. The past week has marked one of the deadliest periods for Palestinians since the intifida began four years ago. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon vowed to proceed with the military action. He said “This is not a short operation. We should act for as long as the danger exists.” Yesterday UN Secretary General Kofi Annan called on Israel to end its offensive and for the Palestinians to halt rocket attacks against Israel. Egypt and France joined Spain, Switzerland, the International Committee of the Red Cross and Canada in expressing concern at Israel’s action. Arab League representatives decided that the 22-member bloc would make a joint appeal at the United Nations for urgent action to halt Israel’s “continuing war of extermination against the Palestinian people.”