Israel declares unilateral Gaza cease-fire

WATCH VIDEO

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert (R) shakes hands with  Defense Minister Ehud Barak at a press conference after  security cabinet meeting in Tel Aviv, on Jan. 17, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

Officials say over 1,140 Palestinians have died since Israel launched its devastating assault on Gaza. Half of the casualties were civilians, including many children. Thirteen Israelis have also died.

Meanwhile, protests against Israel's invasion of Gaza have resumed in a number of European cities.

Thousands of protesters marched through Paris in the third major pro-Palestinian march in the French capital in as many weeks.

In Berlin, more than a thousand people took to the streets, with more joining during the course of the demonstration.

In Sarajevo, more than 5,000 Bosnians and Palestinian expatriates gathered in the city's center to protest against the Israeli bombing of Gaza.