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Gaza ceasefire comes into force Gaza ceasefire comes into force
(9 minutes later)
A ceasefire in the Gaza Strip has come into force, with the Palestinians halting rocket attacks into Israel.A ceasefire in the Gaza Strip has come into force, with the Palestinians halting rocket attacks into Israel.
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas won a commitment from all militant groups to stop the attacks, while Israeli PM Ehud Olmert agreed to halt hostilities.Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas won a commitment from all militant groups to stop the attacks, while Israeli PM Ehud Olmert agreed to halt hostilities.
Israel said it withdrew its troops from Gaza before the ceasefire - described by correspondents as an unexpected and major development - took effect.Israel said it withdrew its troops from Gaza before the ceasefire - described by correspondents as an unexpected and major development - took effect.
Israeli media said at least three rockets struck Israel after the truce.Israeli media said at least three rockets struck Israel after the truce.
The rockets hit the town of Sderot, but did not cause any damage or casualties, media reports said. The Israeli army has not confirmed the reports.The rockets hit the town of Sderot, but did not cause any damage or casualties, media reports said. The Israeli army has not confirmed the reports.
The United States has welcomed the ceasefire, calling it a "positive step forward".The United States has welcomed the ceasefire, calling it a "positive step forward".
Hours before the truce, at least one Hamas activist was killed in an Israel air strike on Gaza.Hours before the truce, at least one Hamas activist was killed in an Israel air strike on Gaza.
Two cars were targeted, and four men were reported injured.Two cars were targeted, and four men were reported injured.
Hamas said that three other activists were killed in clashes with Israeli troops elsewhere in Gaza.Hamas said that three other activists were killed in clashes with Israeli troops elsewhere in Gaza.
'Chance for stability''Chance for stability'
The ceasefire came into effect at 0600 (0400GMT) on Sunday.The ceasefire came into effect at 0600 (0400GMT) on Sunday.
Mr Olmert has struggled to end rocket fire for monthsThe BBC's Alan Johnston in Gaza says it seems Mr Abbas phoned his opposite number on Saturday evening to say he had agreement from all Palestinian factions that they would stop their rocket fire. The BBC's Alan Johnston in Gaza says it seems Mr Abbas phoned his opposite number on Saturday evening to say he had agreement from all Palestinian factions that they would stop their rocket fire.
He says many people, both in Gaza and in Israel, will desperately hope that this surprising sudden agreement on the need for calm will last and that it might spur wider peace efforts.He says many people, both in Gaza and in Israel, will desperately hope that this surprising sudden agreement on the need for calm will last and that it might spur wider peace efforts.
But, he says, observers on both sides will be braced for disappointment. There is very, very little trust between the opposing forces and all the underlying tensions remain unresolved, our correspondent adds.But, he says, observers on both sides will be braced for disappointment. There is very, very little trust between the opposing forces and all the underlying tensions remain unresolved, our correspondent adds.
A spokeswoman for the Israeli prime minister, Miri Eisin, told the BBC that Mr Olmert had agreed that Israeli forces would not initiate any offensive action after that time.A spokeswoman for the Israeli prime minister, Miri Eisin, told the BBC that Mr Olmert had agreed that Israeli forces would not initiate any offensive action after that time.
Shortly after the ceasefire took effect, the Israeli army confirmed that all its troops had left Gaza.Shortly after the ceasefire took effect, the Israeli army confirmed that all its troops had left Gaza.
Ms Eisin said Mr Olmert believed this was a chance to achieve stability and one that Israel could not miss.Ms Eisin said Mr Olmert believed this was a chance to achieve stability and one that Israel could not miss.
The BBC's Simon Wilson in Jerusalem says that although there has been talk of a possible ceasefire in recent weeks, such a direct acknowledgement from the Israeli prime minister's office comes as a surprise.The BBC's Simon Wilson in Jerusalem says that although there has been talk of a possible ceasefire in recent weeks, such a direct acknowledgement from the Israeli prime minister's office comes as a surprise.
Officials have indicated in the past that they do not believe Mr Abbas has the power to enforce a ceasefire among Palestinian groups, he says.Officials have indicated in the past that they do not believe Mr Abbas has the power to enforce a ceasefire among Palestinian groups, he says.
Ground offensivesGround offensives
Israel evacuated its settlements and military bases in Gaza last year after 38 years in the territory, but the military renewed ground operations after militants captured an Israeli soldier, Cpl Gilad Shalit, in a border raid in June.Israel evacuated its settlements and military bases in Gaza last year after 38 years in the territory, but the military renewed ground operations after militants captured an Israeli soldier, Cpl Gilad Shalit, in a border raid in June.
One Hamas activist died in Saturday's air strike Mr Olmert has struggled to end rocket fire for months
Palestinian militant groups have been firing Qassam rockets into Israel on a daily basis. They have killed two Israeli civilians in the past 10 days.Palestinian militant groups have been firing Qassam rockets into Israel on a daily basis. They have killed two Israeli civilians in the past 10 days.
Israel has launched frequent ground offensives into Gaza Strip to try to stop the militants who launch the rockets.Israel has launched frequent ground offensives into Gaza Strip to try to stop the militants who launch the rockets.
It has also shelled targets in Gaza heavily.It has also shelled targets in Gaza heavily.
Since June, Israeli troops have killed more than 400 Palestinians in Gaza, roughly half of them civilians.Since June, Israeli troops have killed more than 400 Palestinians in Gaza, roughly half of them civilians.
Three Israeli soldiers have died in operations. Cpl Shalit has not been found, and his fate is unknown.Three Israeli soldiers have died in operations. Cpl Shalit has not been found, and his fate is unknown.