Blood spilled in Gaza as Israeli-Hamas truce begins
Thursday, 19 Jun 2008 22:46
Fighting continues in Gaza until minutes before Israeli-Hamas ceasefire
In Focus
Efforts to forge a peace agreement between Palestinian moderates and Israelis are being threatened by militant group Hamas' rocket attacks. Full Story
A joint ceasefire by
Israel and Hamas began on Thursday, just minutes after a Palestinian militant died in the streets of Gaza.
The man was killed by Israeli soldiers responding to rocket fire as the truce officially began at 06:00 local time (04:00 BST).
Israel and Hamas have vowed to honour the Egyptian-brokered ceasefire but remain doubtful as to how long it will hold.
On Wednesday Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert said the halt in fighting was likely to be "short-lived" and accused Hamas of "not changing their stripes".
The Islamic organisation meanwhile reiterated its commitment to the truce but warned it would retaliate immediately if the Jewish state failed to fulfil its obligations.
It is hoped the ceasefire, which followed six months of fighting in which hundreds of people – mostly Gaza militants – have been killed, could lead to the Israeli blockade of Gaza being lifted and border crossings opening.
United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-moon has joined world leaders in welcoming the ceasefire.
"The secretary general looks forward to all sides acting with care and responsibility in ensuring that this cessation of violence endures," his spokesperson said.