8/12/2018

GAZA - ISRAEL -FOR NOW- BORDER CALM


FRESH border protests Friday evening could test the return of calm to Gaza and neighbouring areas of Israel after a deadly flare-up between Palestinian militants and the Israeli military.

Palestinian political sources said agreement had been reached to end all rocket fire into Israel and air strikes on the Gaza strip from around midnight [2100 GMT] on Thursday.

There was no Israeli confirmation but there were no fresh strikes overnight.

Thursday had seen extensive Israeli raids in retaliation for the launching of more than 180 rockets  and mortar rounds by Gaza's Islamists rulers Hamas and his allies on Wednesday night.

Three Palestinians were killed in the Israeli strike, including a mother and her 18-month old daughter, while seven Israelis were wounded by Palestinians rocket fire as hundreds took refuge in bomb shelters.

It was one of the most serious flareups since the 2014 Gaza war and followed months of escalating tensions.

Late on Thursday, an Israeli air raid flattened a five-storey building which hosted a cultural centre in Gaza City but which the army said was used by  Hamas Security forces.

The Israeli security cabinet and the Hamas leadership met separately on Thursday, with the truce offer brokered by Egypt and the United Nations on the table. [Agencies]

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