US welcomes Israel's ceasefire declaration

Matthew Lee , The Associated Press , Washington

The Bush administration on Saturday welcomed Israel's decision to declare a unilateral ceasefire in its military operations against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip and urged both sides to end attacks immediately.

In a statement issued shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announced the move, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the ultimate goal remains a lasting truce that is respected by all sides. Hamas has not agreed to end rocket attacks into Israel.

"The United States welcomes the cessation of hostilities in Gaza announced by Israel and expects that all parties will cease attacks and hostile actions immediately," she said. "The goal remains a durable and fully respected ceasefire that will lead to stabilization and normalization in Gaza."

Rice also praised Egyptian efforts to bring Hamas on board and secure international backing for a ceasefire at a summit that Egypt will hold on Sunday. She expressed concern for the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, calling for immediate efforts to assist them.

"The United States commends Egypt for its efforts and remains deeply concerned by the suffering of innocent Palestinians," Rice said. "We welcome calls for immediate coordinated international action to increase assistance flows and will contribute to such efforts."

The Obama transition team declined to comment.

On Friday, Rice and Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni signed an agreement that commits the United States to boosting its cooperation with nations in the region to stop weapons smuggling into Gaza and prevent Hamas from re-arming, a key demand of Israel.

Officials said the deal was a key part of Israel's decision to declare the ceasefire.

Israel began its offensive on Dec. 27 in response to eight years of bombardments on Israeli towns. Since then, more than 1,100 Palestinians have been killed in the three weeks of violence, according to Palestinian and U.N. officials. Thirteen Israelis have also died.

In announcing the unilateral cease-fire, Olmert said in a televised address that Israel had achieved its goals and would stop offensive operations but would keep troops on the ground for the time being. If Hamas holds its fire, the military will consider pulling out, he said.

Israeli insistence on keeping troops in Gaza raises the specter of a stalemate with Hamas, which has repeated that it will not respect any cease-fire until Israel pulls out of the territory.