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Israel declares ceasefire in Gaza Israel declares ceasefire in Gaza
(10 minutes later)
Israel is to halt its three-week military offensive against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said.Israel is to halt its three-week military offensive against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said.
Mr Olmert said a unilateral Israeli ceasefire would take effect from 0200 (2400 GMT). Israel had achieved the aims of its operation, Mr Olmert said, and a unilateral Israeli ceasefire would take effect from 0200 (2400 GMT).
Earlier, a Hamas spokesman said it would fight until its demands were met, including an Israeli withdrawal. Earlier, a Hamas spokesman said it would fight until its demands were met.
Nearly 1,200 Palestinians have been killed since the violence began on 27 December. Thirteen Israelis have died.Nearly 1,200 Palestinians have been killed since the violence began on 27 December. Thirteen Israelis have died.
Minutes before Mr Olmert was due to speak, a rocket was fired from Gaza, a BBC producer in Gaza said.Minutes before Mr Olmert was due to speak, a rocket was fired from Gaza, a BBC producer in Gaza said.
'Goals achieved'
The Israeli prime minister's announcement came in a televised address following a late-night cabinet meeting.The Israeli prime minister's announcement came in a televised address following a late-night cabinet meeting.
Israel's operation in Gaza had fully achieved its aims, Mr Olmert said, with Hamas badly damaged both militarily and in terms of infrastructure. Israel's "goals have been achieved, and even more", Mr Olmert said, with Hamas badly damaged both militarily and in terms of infrastructure.
But the success of the ceasefire depended on Hamas, he said. But the success of the ceasefire depended on Hamas, he said. If militant rocket fire into Israel continued, Israel would return to force, he said.
If militant rocket fire into Israel continued, Israel would respond with force, he said. How Hamas responds remains to be seen.
The group says any ceasefire must involve Israeli troops withdrawing from Gaza and an immediate lifting of the Israeli blockade.