Israel, Hamas Agree 3 Day Ceasefire In Gaza

The 72-hour truce came into effect today, Friday, during which the two parties will be able to raise issues of concern in these negotiations.

“During this time the forces on the ground will remain in place. We urge all parties to act with restraint until this humanitarian ceasefire begins, and to fully abide by their commitments during the ceasefire,” a statement by UN and US officials read.

The ceasefire proposal was brokered by the United States and United Nations officials.

The officials said the ceasefire was critical to giving innocent civilians a much-needed reprieve from violence.

During the ceasefire period, civilians in Gaza are expected to receive urgent humanitarian relief.

The civilians will also have an opportunity to carry out vital functions, including burying the dead, taking care of the injured and restocking food supplies.

“This is a respite. It is a moment of opportunity, not an end,” said US Secretary General John Kerry.

During this time two sides will also hold the discussions on how to bring a more permanent truce in Cairo to solve what has been the longest conflict between the two sides.

The move though comes after Israel Defense Forces reported that 5 of its soldiers were killed yesterday while 14 Palestinians in the southern Gaza Strip were also killed by Israeli strikes

At least 1,484 people (1420 Palestinians) have so far lost their lives since Israel began its offensive in Gaza on 8th July, 2014.

Even as the two sides plan to enter into a permanent truce, Israel maintains that its operation in Gaza will continue to defend its population from attacks by Palestinian militants, while Hamas wants a blockade placed by both Israel and Egypt on Gaza lifted.

By Morgan Mueke