A three-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has begun and appears to be holding, despite a late exchange of fire just minutes before the deadline.
The Egyptian-brokered truce follows six previous ceasefire attempts which have all been marked by allegations from both sides of continued attacks.
Confirming the deal, Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev said: “Israel will honour the ceasefire and will be watching to see if Hamas does too.”
Adding a further note of caution, an official speaking on condition of anonymity said Israel would be watching the day unfold “with a certain amount of scepticism”.
Minutes before the ceasefire began at 8am local time (6am UK time), Hamas militants fired a barrage of long-range rockets across the border.
Hamas claimed the rockets were launched in retaliation for Israel’s “massacres”. Sirens were heard in Israel as far north as Jerusalem.
In Gaza, Israeli warplanes also carried out at least five airstrikes before the ceasefire took hold and the skies fell silent.
The truce follows three days of negotiations in Cairo attended by a Palestinian delegation, but shunned by Israel.
Egypt is now expected to host indirect talks aimed at thrashing out a more lasting deal.
Hamas has demanded Israel withdraw from Gaza and end a blockade of the territory.
It has also called for its prisoners to be released and for international assistance in rebuilding Gaza.
Bassam Salhi, a member of the Palestinian delegation, admitted brokering a peace deal which satisfies both sides will prove difficult.
“It’s going to be tough negotiations because Israel has demands too,” he said.
More than 1,880 Palestinians and 64 Israeli soldiers have lost their lives since the conflict began. Two Israeli civilians and a Thai labourer working in Israel have also died.
Skynews
