Israeli Cabinet Approves Unilateral Gaza Truce
Israeli Cabinet Approves Unilateral Gaza Truce – Voice of America
Israel’s security cabinet has voted for a unilateral cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.
Following the vote Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Israel’s offensive against Hamas militants in Gaza has achieved all of its objectives.
IDF to Remain in Gaza Until it’s Clear Hamas Halts Rocket Fire – Jerusalem Post
The cabinet on Saturday night voted in favor of an Egyptian-backed, unilateral 10-day cease-fire deal, ending Operation Cast Lead three weeks after it began.
At a press conference directly following the meeting, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said that the aims of the operation in the Gaza Strip had been “met in full,” and that the cease-fire would be observed from 2 a.m. on Sunday.
If Hamas continues to fire on the South, however, Israel will reserve the right to return fire, the prime minister said. “If [Hamas] return to their unruly attacks they will be surprised again by the hand of Israel – I don’t advise them to try it,” he said.
Hamas leaders have repeated, however, that the group will not respect any cease-fire as long as Israel remains inside Gaza.
More:
Israel Announces Ceasefire on Gaza – The Times
Israel Declares Ceasefire but Hamas Still Defiant – Daily Telegraph
Israel Declares Unilateral Gaza Cease-fire – Associated Press
Israel Declares It Will Cease Fire; Hamas to Fight On – New York Times
Israel Declares Ceasefire in Gaza – BBC News
Israel PM Declares Halt to Gaza Offensive – Agence France-Presse
