Juan Carlos & family mark Pascua Militar

Spain's King Juan Carlos joined calls for an immediate cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. In a traditional Epiphany Day speech Tuesday, King Juan Carlos, who turned 71 one day earlier, said the crisis demanded "all diplomatic efforts necessary to achieve, as our government has urged, an immediate cease-fire to bring an end to the dramatic situation of violence and suffering in the region."

On Monday, Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero made a plea for an end to the fighting and civilian suffering. He blamed both sides for the outbreak of violence but warned Israel especially that its military response was "not the way to peace and security."

Members of the Spanish Royal family attended the "Pascua Militar" ceremony at the Royal Palace, traditionally held on Jan. 6, the christian day of Ephiphany. The ceremony in the Throne room of the palace was started in 1782 by then King Carlos III. © GPD AP