GAZA, Jan 18 (Reuters) - Israel began a unilateral ceasefire in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, ending a three-week offensive against the Hamas Islamist movement in the Palestinian enclave. A few minutes after the truce was due to take effect at 2 a.m. (0000 GMT), live television pictures from the city of Gaza showed a shower of flares and a fire on the ground. No sound of gunfire or explosions could be heard, however, and the fire appeared to go out after a few minutes. Israeli reconnaissance drones could be heard but the city was quieter than for many nights. However, Hamas has said it will not recognise Israel's unilateral ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said fighting could resume if the guerrillas, who have vowed to fight on until Israel removes its troops from Gaza and eases a trade blockade, fire more rockets or attack Israeli soldiers. An Israeli military spokesman said shortly before the cessation was to begin that Israel "will respond to any attack against Israeli civilians or soldiers".
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert (L) shakes hands with Defence Minister Ehud Barak after making statements at the end of Israel's security cabinet meeting in Tel Aviv January 17, 2009. Israel ...
