Israel Hamas War -- News Updates And Commentaries For January 18, 2009

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak (r.) spoke Sunday at a quickly convened summit of European and Arab leaders in Sharm el-Sheikh designed to consolidate the gains of the cease-fire. (Philippe Wojazer/Reuters)

Israel Pulling Out Of Gaza; Hamas Ceases Fire
-- Yahoo News/AP

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – Israeli troops, some smiling and dancing, began to withdraw from Gaza Sunday after their government and Hamas militants declared an end to a three-week war. But neither side achieved long-term goals, and the burden of consolidating the fragile calm fell to world leaders.

The truce brought relief to Gaza's citizens, who took stock of the devastation in relative safety for the first time since Israel launched the offensive on Dec. 27. And it brought more trauma, as rescue workers in surgical masks ventured into what were once no-go areas and pulled 100 bodies from buildings pulverized by bombs.

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More News On The Israel Hamas War

With Gaza cease-fire, Arab and European leaders look to secure peace -- Christian Science Monitor
Israel forces start Gaza withdrawal -- Yahoo News/AFP
IDF pulls most troops from Gaza after Hamas accepts cease-fire -- Haaretz
Hamas and Israel hold fire as Gazans reel at war's toll -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Israel and Hamas Enact Cease-Fires -- Wall Street Journal
Israelis withdrawing, cease-fire in Gaza holds -- McClatchy Newspapers
Saying Hamas is 'Badly Beaten,' Olmert Orders Unilateral Cease-fire -- Los Angeles Times
Israel Declares Cease-fire, Warns Hamas -- Washington Times
PM: We reserve right to renew op -- Jerusalem Post
Hamas and Israel hold fire as Gazans reel at war's toll -- Reuters
Israel, Hamas Both Claim Victory After Cease-Fire in Gaza Strip -- Bloomberg
Gaza Skirmishes Continue Despite Cease-Fire -- New York Times
Israel 'wants rapid Gaza pullout' -- BBC
Israel Announces Unilateral Cease-fire, Ending 22-Day Gaza Offensive -- Voice of America
Hamas directs traffic, but some Gazans query war -- Reuters
Gazans Weary of Hamas' Violent Policies -- Washington Times
In Homes and on Streets, a War That Feels Deadlier -- New York Times
Israel Hopes Iran and Hezbollah Get Message of Gaza Offensive -- LA Times
A week is an eternity as diplomats strive to keep the peace -- The Guardian

Opinions, Editorials, And Commentaries

Will the Gaza Ceasefire Hold? -- The Guardian
Will Israel Restart the War? -- Commentary Magazine
Pointless War and Moral Defeat in Israel -- The Guardian
Helping Hamas Undercuts Moderate Arabs -- Japan Times
How to Close the Gaza Tunnels -- Slate
Arms, Tunnels and Ceasefires -- Today's Zaman