A 12-hour 'ceasefire' is in place in Gaza

The Dhaka Times Desk A 12-hour 'ceasefire' has begun in Palestinian-ruled Gaza. Today, Saturday, 12-hour 'ceasefire' has been agreed to by both Hamas and Israel, the Islamist organization that controls Gaza.

According to a report published by BBC online citing both sides, this ceasefire will be for humanitarian reasons for the next 12 hours from 8 am local time today. Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhur said, "There was national unity in the 12-hour ceasefire today, Saturday, for humanitarian reasons only."

On the other hand, the Israeli army confirmed the ceasefire in a Twitter message. Israel, however, said searches of suspected tunnels in Gaza would continue during the ceasefire. Tel Aviv will respond if Hamas attacks at this time.

On the other hand, the visiting US Secretary of State John Kerry said that he is fully optimistic about a longer-term ceasefire. Prior to that, media reports said that Israel's cabinet rejected a ceasefire proposal brought by visiting US Secretary of State Kerry.

Meanwhile, many innocent women and children have been injured in this inhumane attack by Israel. Despite the continued vociferous protests against Israel around the world, Israel continued to attack the conscience of the world. Gaza was the scene of an inhumane attack that shook the entire world conscience.

It should be noted that Israel started 'Operation Protective Edge' after claiming that rockets were being fired from Gaza. Over the past 18 days, 870 Palestinians have been killed and at least 6,000 injured in the most brutal attack by Israeli forces in Gaza. Millions of people have been displaced.