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Palestinians Agree to Ceasefire

Israel agrees to withdraw from Gaza if truce holds

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 18, 2009 8:03 AM CST

(Newser) – Hamas and other Gaza militants have agreed to an immediate ceasefire, and will allow Israel a week to pull troops out of the area, a Hamas official said today in Egypt. Israel said it would withdraw if the truce was upheld. It had declared a unilateral ceasefire beginning early this morning, but Hamas had vowed to keep fighting until troops were withdrawn from Gaza, Reuters reports.

The Hamas official called for Israel to open its Gaza blockades and allow “all materials, food, goods and basic needs” to pass through. Western leaders and UN chief Ban Ki-Moon are set to meet later today in Egypt for further peace talks, which Egypt says will push for an Israeli pullout. “We must end Gaza's economic isolation by reopening the crossings that link it to the outside world,” said Britain’s prime minister.

A smoke trail from a rocket fired by Palestinian militants inside the Gaza Strip cuts through the sky today.
A smoke trail from a rocket fired by Palestinian militants inside the Gaza Strip cuts through the sky today.   (AP Photo/Tara Todras-Whitehill)
Israeli soldiers celebrate after leaving the Gaza Strip for Israel today.
Israeli soldiers celebrate after leaving the Gaza Strip for Israel today.   (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus)
Palestinian medics work in the area of destroyed houses as they search for bodies after the Israeli army withdrew from the area east of Gaza City today.
Palestinian medics work in the area of destroyed houses as they search for bodies after the Israeli army withdrew from the area east of Gaza City today.   (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert speaks at a press conference following a meeting of the security cabinet at the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv yesterday.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert speaks at a press conference following a meeting of the security cabinet at the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv yesterday.   (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
justme
Jan 19, 2009 6:16 AM CST
Unfortunately, they had to check with their Syrian handlers before making that decision. That does not bode well for the future because Syria doesn,t care about Palestinians.
Newser001
Jan 17, 2009 10:54 PM CST
Thank G_d! I hope Hamas got the picture - Israel will not tolerate missiles in any way shape or form. Israel has a right to defend itself, but believe they were excessive in their response. 1,200+ Palestinians killed - Who knows how many injured, displaced, etc...? But I believe Israel, at the same time has made its intentions unquestionably, VERY clear... If Hams tolerates faction groups or even themselves to launch more missiles into Israeli territory - They'll just be inviting a reenactment of what we've just witnessed...

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