WASHINGTON, Jan 3 (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department said on Saturday it was working toward a cease-fire for Gaza and said it had told Israel's government that military action must be "mindful of the potential consequences to civilians." The department also said Washington is "deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation" in Gaza, but said in a statement that Hamas holds the people of Gaza hostage. "It is obvious that that cease-fire should take place as soon as possible, but we need a cease-fire that is durable, sustainable, and not time limited," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said in the statement.
Palestinians shout anti-Israeli slogans in the West Bank city of Ramallah during a protest against Israel's offensive in Gaza January 3, 2009. Israeli troops clashed with Hamas fighters as they advanced ...
Egypt
