Venezuela expels Israeli ambassador over Gaza

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