DHAKA: Israel and Hamas have begun a 12-hour humanitarian truce in Gaza.

Israel said it would continue to "locate and neutralise" Hamas tunnels during the pause, which began at 08:00 local time (05:00 GMT), and vowed to respond if it came under attack.

International efforts to negotiate a longer seven-day ceasefire are still ongoing.

Israeli strikes killed 19 Palestinians overnight, medical sources said. Two Israeli soldiers were also killed.

Over 870 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and 38 Israelis have died since the conflict started on 8 July.

Foreign ministers from the US, UK, Turkey and Qatar are among those meeting in France later on Saturday to try to negotiate a longer-term truce.

Source: BBC

BDST: 1314 HRS, JUL 26, 2014

** Israel, Hamas agree to 12-hour ceasefire