DHAKA: Hamas and Israel both have agreed to respect a five-hour ceasefire in Gaza after nine days of fighting. 

The Israeli military said it would stop firing from 10:00am to 15:00pm on Thursday to allow residents in Gaza to stock up on supplies.

Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zukhri later confirmed that his group would also stop rocket attacks in that time.

Officials in Gaza said Israeli raids have left 220 Palestinians dead. Hamas rocket attacks have killed one Israeli.

Israeli army officer Brig Gen Yoav Mordechai told that the ceasefire had been requested by the UN and other international organizations.

An Israeli military statement warned that Israel would respond "firmly and decisively" should Hamas launch attacks during the ceasefire window, BBC news. 

BDST: 0840 HRS, JUL 17, 2014