Gaza attacks continue ahead of ceasefire

PALESTINIAN militants fired 50 rockets and mortars toward Israel yesterday, who responded with airstrikes in Gaza, just hours before a truce was to take effect, illustrating how fragile the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas would be.

Both parties had pledged to begin a ceasefire today in a bid to end a year of fighting that has killed more than 400 Palestinians and seven Israelis. The deal came as Israel urged Lebanon to open peace talks.

The ceasefire is expected to be followed next week by the easing of Israel’s blockade of Gaza, Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev said.