AP
June 19, 2008
JERUSALEM - Israel and Hamas pledged to start a cease-fire today in a bid to end a year of fighting that has killed more than 400 Palestinians and seven Israelis.
The deal comes as Israel also urged Lebanon to open peace talks.
The cease-fire is expected to be followed next week by an Israeli easing of its blockade of Gaza, Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev said.
Talks to release an Israeli soldier held by Hamas will then intensify, Regev said.
Egypt, which brokered the talks, on Tuesday announced a deal.
"[Today] will be the beginning we hope of a new reality where Israeli citizens in the south will no longer be on the receiving end of continuous rocket attacks," Regev said.
