Israel and Palestinians observe tense five-day Gaza ceasefire

Jerusalem. Israel and the Palestinians have begun a fresh five-day ceasefire in Gaza, agreed at the end of a three-day truce. As the ceasefire was announced, Israel launched air strikes in response to alleged rocket fire from Gaza. There were no more reports of violence overnight, and the two sides were expected to continue indirect talks mediated by Egypt in Cairo. The Israelis launched a military operation in Gaza on 8 July to stop militant attacks from Gaza. Hamas, which controls Gaza and is involved in the Cairo talks, has denied its members launched rockets at Israel on Wednesday night. Israeli military spokesman Peter Lerner said on Twitter: “No need to jump to conclusions. I don’t know who launched 10pm (19:00GMT) rocket at Israel.” There was no immediate report of casualties from either side. Palestinian sources say the truce extension will create a window for further negotiations. But the BBC’s Kevin Connolly in Gaza says future talks are likely to be forbiddingly difficult. Officials from both sides have been communicating their demands through Egyptian intermediaries in Cairo. The talks are aimed at finding a more durable solution to the conflict in Gaza. The Palestinian side wants the blockade on Gaza to be lifted, while Israel wants the territory to be fully disarmed. Israel has indicated it may agree to relax parts of the blockade, Egyptian and Palestinian sources said. Other proposals under discussion include reducing the “no-go” zone in Gaza, and increasing the offshore fishing zone for Gaza fishermen. Egyptian 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. About 2,000 people have died since the fighting in Gaza began on 8 July. Those killed include more than 1,900 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to the United Nations. Sixty-four Israeli soldiers have been killed in the violence and three civilians in Israel have also died. Tension between Gaza and Israel rose after the abduction and killing of three Israeli teenagers in June. Israel blamed the killings on Hamas, though the group denied involvement.