Israel and Hamas have agreed to a new humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza for another 72 hours from today. It will come into effect from 10.30 am India time.

The ceasefire plan proposed by Egypt is aimed at allowing humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza. It will be followed by negotiations for a durable truce between the two sides.

Israeli Prime Minister’s spokesman, Mark Regev confirmed that Israel has accepted the ceasefire plan as agreed to, and negotiated through the Egyptians.

He also added that Israel will respond if Hamas violates the truce. Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said that the group has also accepted the ceasefire plan and will implement it.

The move follows a brief seven hour unilateral ceasefire announced by Israel. It has come after 28 days of intense fighting which has claimed over 1800 Palestinian lives, mostly civilians and left over 10,000 injured.

Israel has lost 64 soldiers battling against Palestinian fighters and three civilians in rocket attacks so far.