Israel´s unilateral cease-fire in Gaza goes into effect

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Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert speaks at a press  conference after security cabinet meeting in Tel Aviv, on  Jan. 17, 2008. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert Saturday  evening declared a unilateral ceasefire in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, beginning from 2 a.m. (0000 GMT) Sunday.  The declaration came shortly after Israeli security cabinet  voted in favor of a unilateral ceasefire in Gaza, where  Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Cast Lead Operation had been  going on in the past three weeks, killing more than 1,200  Palestinians.  (Xinhua Photo)

Ehud Olmert said, "With the sum of our achievements in this operation and the achievement of our goals, the cabinet decided to accept my suggestion and to announce a ceasefire. From 2 a.m. tonight, Israel will halt operations in the Gaza Strip. And will continue being prepared (for any other operation) inside and around the Gaza Strip."

As hours passed, residents in Gaza City could hear the long familiar drone of Israeli unmanned reconnaissance aircraft overhead but no sound of gunfire.

But Hamas reiterated it would not respect any cease-fire as long as Israeli soldiers remained inside Gaza.