Jerusalem  - Israel is interested in continuing the peace process with the Palestinians, caretaker Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told freshly sworn-in US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Thursday, according to his office.

Israel would also make every effort to ensure humanitarian aid reaches the people of the Gaza Strip following Israel's military offensive there, Olmert told Clinton in a telephone call.

Olmert's office said he had congratulated Clinton on her appointment, and praised her "ability, talent and rich experience." (dpa)