WASHINGTON, Jan 12 (Reuters) - President George W. Bush on Monday said Hamas must stop firing rockets into Israel in order for an effective ceasefire to take hold in Gaza and said Israel should avoid harming innocent people there.

"I'm for a sustainable ceasefire, and a definition of sustainable ceasefire is Hamas stops firing rockets into Israel," Bush said at a press conference. "There will not be a sustainable ceasefire if they continue firing rockets. I happen to believe the choice is Hamas's to make."

Israel has a right to defend itself, but should be mindful of "innocent folks" in Gaza, Bush said.

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