Socialist President Hugo Chavez has condemned the Israeli campaign in Gaza, where nearly 600 Palestinians have been killed in ground and air strikes.

Israel launched the attacks Dec. 27 to stop Palestinian militants from firing rockets into southern Israel.

Venezuela's foreign ministry announced the decision in a statement, saying it "has decided to expel the Israeli ambassador and part of the personnel of the Israeli embassy."

Chavez earlier condemned the Israelis carrying out the military campaign as "murderers" and urged Jews in Venezuela to take a stand against the Israeli government.

"Now I hope that the Venezuelan Jewish community speaks out against this barbarism. Do it. Don't you strongly reject all acts of persecution?" Chavez said.


CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) _ Venezuela's government is expelling the Israeli ambassador and all embassy personnel in response to Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has condemned the Israeli campaign in Gaza, where nearly 600 Palestinians have been killed in ground and air strikes.

Venezuela's foreign ministry announced the expulsions Tuesday.

Chavez, a frequent critic of the U.S. and its allies, said Venezuela also is trying to supply food and medical aid to Gaza.