Beirut  - A Lebanese parliamentary leader on Thursday accused Israel of trying to end "resistance" in the Gaza Strip and urged Arab states to cut diplomatic ties to Israel.

Speaking before a meeting of the Arab Parliamentarian Council, Shiite House Speaker Nabih Berri called for assistance to help Palestinians facing an Israeli onslaught.

"The objectives of the Gaza war exceed the upcoming Knesset elections," he said, referring to upcoming Israeli legislative elections. "This war is not limited to Gaza, it is the third Palestinian war for eliminating the resistance," he told the gathering in the southern Lebanese port city of Tyre.

The meeting was called to show support for the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Berri, whose party has close links with Hezbollah, called for: compelling Israel to a cease-fire; holding an urgent Islamic summit; shuttering Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories; demolishing the wall separating Palestinians and Israelis; and the release of all Palestinian prisoners.

Addressing the Palestinian people, Berri said "with your steadfastness, you are capable of victory."

The Arab Parliamentarian Council, formed in 1974, is composed of representatives of Arab parliaments. It stresses Arab political and professional cooperation. (dpa)