CRAWFORD, Texas — President George W. Bush today discussed with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert ways to "end the violence" in the Mideast, the White House said.

"They both discussed their mutual desire" for peace, presidential spokesman Gordon Johndroe told reporters.

He said the president consulted by phone early today with the Israeli leader from Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas. The call came amid new indications that Israel is not interested in the push by the United States, Europe and others for a two-day cease-fire.

Bush voiced concern about the strikes in Gaza and the attacks in Israel and also raised again his worries about civilian casualties in Gaza. Johndroe said that Olmert gave Bush assurances that Israel is focusing its attack on the Hamas leadership governing the Gaza Strip and that it is trying to limit civilian casualties.

Bush has been constantly monitoring the air strikes into the Gaza Strip, which Israel launched last Saturday in response to the rocket strikes directed at the Jewish state by the militant Hamas organization.

Asked specifically what concern the administration voiced about the violence of recent days, Johndroe said: "President Bush is disappointed that Hamas continues to fire rockets on the innocent people of Israel."