Israeli defense official confirms cease-fire to begin Thursday

An Israeli defense official says that a cease-fire with the Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip will begin Thursday.

The official says that if the fighting ceases, Israel will agree to ease the blockade of the Gaza Strip. The Israeli says that the talks on efforts to release an Israeli soldier held by Hamas will be intensified.

The official spoke Wednesday on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks. Egypt, the mediator of the talks, had announced the agreement on Tuesday. Hamas confirmed it shortly afterward.

Israeli defense official confirms cease-fire to begin Thursday

An Israeli defense official says that a cease-fire with the Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip will begin Thursday.

The official says that if the fighting ceases, Israel will agree to ease the blockade of the Gaza Strip. The Israeli says that the talks on efforts to release an Israeli soldier held by Hamas will be intensified.

The official spoke Wednesday on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks. Egypt, the mediator of the talks, had announced the agreement on Tuesday. Hamas confirmed it shortly afterward.