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November 22, 2008 8:17:07 CST

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Gaza Truce Takes Hold

Posted Jun 19, 08 8:00 CDT in World 

(AP) – Guns went quiet as a six-month truce between Israel and Gaza Strip militants took effect early today, despite widespread skepticism about its longevity. If the quiet holds, Israel will ease its blockade on Sunday to allow larger shipments of some supplies. A week later Israel is to further ease restrictions at cargo crossings, which in recent months have been closed to all but humanitarian aid and limited fuel supplies.  

In a final stage, negotiators are to tackle Hamas' demand to reopen a major border passage between Gaza and Egypt and Israel's insistence that Hamas release an Israeli soldier it has held for two years. The ceasefire, brokered by Egypt, aims to end a year of fighting that has killed seven Israelis and more than 400 Palestinians since the Hamas wrested control of Gaza a year ago.

Source Associated Press

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An Israeli soldier reads a newspaper as he sits on top of a tank at the Kissufim Crossing, on the border with the Gaza Strip, Thursday, June 19, 2008.   (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)
An Israeli tank drives on the Israel-Gaza border, at a base near Nahal Oz, Thursday, June 19, 2008. Guns went quiet as a six-month truce between Israel and Gaza Strip militants took effect early Thursday.   (Moti Milrod)
An Israeli soldier cleans a tank at a base near the Israel-Gaza border, outside Nahal Oz, Thursday, June 19, 2008. Guns went quiet as a six-month truce between Israel and Gaza Strip militants took effect...   (Moti Milrod)
Backdropped by the Gaza Strip, an Israeli tank drives on the Israel-Gaza border, near Nahal Oz, Thursday, June 19, 2008. Guns went quiet as a six-month truce between Israel and Gaza Strip militants...   (Moti Milrod)
Palestinian gunmen from Hamas, carry equipment as they leave their position at the beginning of a cease fire near the border with Israel, east of Gaza City, Thursday, June 19, 2008.   (Wissam Nassar)
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