Israel declares four-hour ceasefire

The Israeli military has declared a four-hour ceasefire in some areas of the Gaza Strip, for humanitarian reasons.

The military said the ceasefire took effect from 3pm (1pm Irish time) on Wednesday. It says the cease-fire will be limited to only certain areas in the densely populated coastal strip - and excludes any areas where Israeli ground troops are currently operating.

Hamas militants in Gaza had no immediate reaction to the military’s announcement.