News Brief

(IsraelNN.com) Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi of the Israel Defense Forces sent a message to the troops on Sunday, following Israel's declaration of a cease fire in Gaza, in which he wrote, "The objectives which were presented at the start of the Cast Lead campaign have been completely met - Hamas's structure and terrorist infrastructure have been hit hard and conditions have been created for a fundamental change in the security situation of southern Israel."

He added, "The campaign is not over and the coming days require us to stay organized, prepared and ready until quiet returns to our communities and cities." Lieutenant-General Ashkenazy concluded, "We don't have a war with the residents of Gaza. Our enemies are Hamas and other sources of terror who turned their people into human shields and captives and launched fire and death from their houses, schools, hospitals and mosques. Hamas is responsible for the results and the vast suffering brought on its people."