Israel, Palestine Extend Ceasefire Truce

The two parties are expected to continue with indirect talks mediated by Egypt in Cairo.

The extension is expected to create an avenue for further negotiations to stop Israel-Gaza hostilities.

This comes even after Israel launched air strikes in response to alleged rocket fire from Gaza, but there were no further attacks overnight.

Hamas has however denied allegations that its members launched rockets at Israel on Wednesday night.

Israel and Palestine officials have been communicating their demands through Egyptian mediators in Cairo.

The brokers of the truce believe the talks will help find a more lasting solution to the conflict that has so far claimed about 2,000 lives.

Hamas has been demanding the lifting of the Gaza blockade while Israel wants to fully disarm the Hamas territories.

Egyptian and Palestinian sources said Israel has indicated it may agree to relax parts of the blockade.

The mediators have proposed that discussion of other demands, such as the opening of a seaport in Gaza and the return of the remains of two dead Israeli soldiers, be postponed to allow discussions to move faster.

By Morgan Mueke