Israel has been repeatedly criticized by the United Nations over civilian deaths in Gaza.  I am of the opinion that should Hamas continue to fight on they, and they alone, will be responsible for any resultant civilian casualties caused by an Israel response.

By STEVEN ERLANGER
Published: January 17, 2009

JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Ehud Olmert of Israel announced late Saturday night that the Israeli military would begin a unilateral cease-fire in Gaza within hours while negotiations continued on how to stop the resupply of Hamas through smuggling from Egypt.

Mr. Olmert, who said all Israeli objectives for the war had been reached, said Israel was responding positively to a call by President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt earlier in the day for an immediate cease-fire, in a clearly orchestrated move by two countries that both see the Hamas movement in Gaza as a threat. Meanwhile, Hamas leaders outside Gaza have insisted that the group will fight on, regardless of any Israeli declaration.

NYTimes.com.