US President George W. Bush on Wednesday called on Arab nations to help moderate forces in Gaza in order to thwart those bent on destroying Israel.

"The Arab world needs to help right now. They need to step in and help the peaceful, democratic forces within Gaza to thwart those whose stated objective is the destruction of Israel," Bush said in a speech at the 20th anniversary of the Jewish Republican Coalition.

"Now there's an opportunity, and the opportunity rests with the Palestinian people to show that they can govern themselves in a peaceful way," Bush said.

Bush also praised Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who he said has made a "tough and courageous" decision to withdraw from Gaza after 38 years of occupation last month.

The United States is firmly committed to defending the security and the well-being of Israel, Bush added.

Source: Xinhua